Dracosapiens Book 1 Chapter One

No one ever said life would be easy. What they did say was that teenage years are the best years of your life. Well, I’ve got a newsflash for those people - you were wrong.1

I guess the first time anyone realised I was different was vaguely around the hour of my birth. See, it’s not entirely normal to be born with horns and a tail or scales for that matter. Weirder still, it was only at this precise moment did my mother understand that she’d made a life altering mistake. If there was ever a blonder moment in the world I’d be delighted to hear it. But I guess we should start at the beginning, after all, it was only about a year ago when I suddenly realised I was anything bar average.2

Chapter 1: Bothered3

Paul Residence, Second Floor, 4

First Room to the Right 7:13 am March 23rd Monday EST 5

Nightmares, again. Lately, I had been plagued with nothing else and it bothered me. Not so much for the factor of age and maturity and as to why I was still having nightmares, but the content and direction my dreams always seemed to chase. It bothered me that not once had I chosen a horror flick over a comedy or cheesy cartoon, and yet, here I was like always drenched in sweat; eyebrows lodged in worry over extremely edgy brown eyes.6

It had all been so vivid, so sensory. I clung to my sheets defensively just in case, all too aware of what might be lurking within the shadows of my own room. That demonic, soulless reflection of me. 7

Shrugging off the doona impatiently, I hastened to find my Ipod. Nothing seemed to quite soothe the soul in comparison to a blazing Linkin Park album. I found it strangely ironic though that the first song I listened to was 'Paper cut.' My nightmares seemed to echo its message perfectly. A face inside? Ha, boy did I. 8

Yet despite my atypical choice in music, I was usually a very cool, calm and collected individual - until I got home. I just loved to feel in control but as of late...well, my determinedly rigid lifestyle was slipping. I hardly even wrote lists anymore, one of my more enjoyable time consumers should boredom ever beckon. Shopping items, schedules, wants, needs, I'd list them all. Recently though, my mind had been somewhat distracted. 9

“Ella?” came a polite query at the door. “Are you up?” I wasn’t able to avoid that question as my mother walked briskly into the room. Her hazel eyes were full of concern, perhaps I had been screaming again. 10

“Are you okay, honey?” she asked timidly. Pulling out the earplugs, I couldn’t help but stare. My mother was something of a goddess, in appearance at least. She had a tall, slender frame, glowing blonde hair and a sense of fashion too perfect to be described. She held a newspaper in one hand and a shiny new briefcase in the other, brown and spotless, identical to her suit. My mother was without a doubt the finest lawyer in town, granted her competition was entirely nonexistent. Mum wasn‘t just the best lawyer at Sheridan firm, she was the only one, and business was booming around this time of year.11

“I’m fine,” I mumbled, stifling a yawn. It was amazing how many times I had uttered that lie each morning. My mother seemed to be thinking exactly the same, due to the less-than-convinced expression plastered across her face. Glancing suspiciously at my closet for the briefest of instants, I decided to put in my best effort. “Really, mum. I’m fine.” Wow, I thought. That was so weak. 12

My mother - far from interested - was looking pointedly around the room. Placing hands on hips she exclaimed in frustration, “can’t you do anything about this mess, Ella?” I glared at her. Who was she to question my paradise? Books and unwashed clothes on the floor certainly weren’t bothering me. As for the drawings littered around the room…well sue me for being a free spirit.13

*** *** ***14

After soaking in the shower and eventually getting dressed, I noticed the imminent threat of fresh worry lines on my powder-white skin. Lifting up my gums and examining my fingernails apprehensively, I forced myself to separate reality and fictional characters. Failing miserably the first time round and too distraught to try for a second, I spent the next few moments willing my dark, lank hair to do itself. Seeing my mother appear so fresh and lively this early in the morning did nothing at all for my flaring mood. 15

I brushed my hair lazily with the comb, occupied by my own pessimistic thoughts. There was a very good reason I wanted to avoid mum this morning and the fact that she had already gotten dressed was surely a bad sign. Attacking my chin-length mop with a can of hairspray, I mentally prayed for the worst to be over quickly. The tips on the back of my head stood wildly on end. I liked it, stylish and slightly vampiric. 16

Plonking down the stairs, strongly desiring the gift of invisibility, I sat down at our table chewing my lip. Breakfast as always was an uncomfortable affair. My mother would try to communicate, then get caught up with a client or piece of evidence that she had over-looked, leaving our conversation mid-sentence. Today, I barely even noticed what I was eating, throwing it down the hatch in a rush to complete my trigonometry task. I swear, the document may as well have been written in Japanese.17

“Did you like your pancakes, Ella honey?” my mother asked, glancing at my empty plate. “I made strawberry sauce for them and threw on some whipped cream - just the way you like them.” Her smile was so elastic it could’ve given a rubber band a run for its money.18

“Yeah mum, they were great. Thanks.” My returning smile was just as fake and it strained my cheeks. When she left the kitchen and came back with a pile of presents, I breathed in deeply and knotted my fingers.19

For me, this day was absolutely taboo. I hated birthdays and curse of all curses I had to suffer through another one every year. Age sixteen was nothing to brag about in this quiet little town anyway. In fact, it was anything but 'sweet.' Because in reality, I was sixteen years old and too young to drive, too young to drink and constantly haunted by those damnable words of “sweet sixteen and never been kissed.” I swear that childish phrase mocked me at every turn. Did they really have to rub my nose in the fact that I was both unwanted and sadly still available? I’d never even had a romantic fling for crying out loud! Just where exactly was my cupid hiding?20

In support of my mother’s peace of mind, I feigned expressions of delight as I opened every box, not even bothering to check what was really in them. For as much as she tried to deny it, it wasn’t just my birthday but an anniversary and it wasn‘t one you should celebrate. Five years ago today, my father had walked out on us. Something about taking care of ‘unfinished business.’ I hated him for that, and my mother, well she never got over it. I could already see that my birthday was troubling her, dredging up memories that were better left forgotten. Kissing her goodbye, I raced for the door. 21

Stepping out into the empty street, I sighed in genuine disappointment. As predicted, the Autumn weather had brought forth the thunderstorms a little early and crispy brown leaves fluttered playfully along the ground. Fanning myself against the humidity, I caught a flash of violet and nearly screamed. My nightmare of that freakish, reptilian monster was taunting my every thought, even purple cars were setting me off now. I tried to shake the memory from my head but it only got clearer. The way it winked at me with those flashing scales and knowing eyes…I barely even noticed the lush scenery around me. 22

Large oaks and maple trees were rather commonplace in Sheridan, as were the insignia's and love notes carved upon them. Grass was silky and well kept and lilies and roses seemed to be the latest gardening craze within the suburb. The sun shone meekly through heavy rain clouds and birds overhead seemed to sing in unison to a timeless melody. 23

Mr and Mrs Lonilen, the lovely, eighty-something-year old couple down the street, waved at me merrily from their swinging chair out front and I greeted them politely in return. Glad to be amongst comforting territory and familiar faces once again, I crossed the gravel of Sheridan State High, pondering whether or not my friends would make fun of my imaginings. 24

A skater dude flew past me without warning on his board and almost sent me on a one-way trip to the ground. “Watch it freak,” he grunted, continuing on past the other students. His bright red port hung loosely over one shoulder and I stared at the back of his head incredulously. Had he somehow deluded himself into thinking that the accident-to-be was my fault?! Shaking my head angrily, I turned and saw Jake Seymour leaning casually against the railing. My heart skipped a beat. He was handsome beyond compare.25

Jake had been my childhood friend ever since I was five. Admittedly, his first impression hadn’t been much to go by - he was a bully back then - but Jake was now one of the nicest boys I had come across. He had short, black hair and ochre eyes that seemed to peer deeper and deeper into my soul. They often chilled me to the core. 26

I tried not to stare too avidly at his lightly bronzed biceps as I headed over to greet him. We were best friends after all, and my love for him could only ever ruin that equation. 27

“Hello Ella,” he whispered through his charming smile. “Want me to carry the rucksack for you today? I know how hard Mondays are for you.” He eyed my bulging bag intently. He was right of course. Monday was the only day I had to stuff eight textbooks into a tiny, dilapidated schoolbag. 28

“Don’t be ridiculous,” I said, laughing him off cheerfully. “I can manage.” Secretly I was kicking myself at the lost chance of a pain-free back. All the same, I couldn’t bear the thought of bossing Jake around.29

“So,” I continued, as we began walking brusquely through the garden. “What’s new with you?”30

He shrugged and waved a hand about carelessly, nearly smacking one of the kids behind us in the face. “Oops, sorry,” he mouthed as the tiny girl stalked off dejectedly. “Didn’t see you there.”31

I coughed sharply and he smiled, pausing beside a chrysanthemum bush. “No Ella, nothing new, well…except for this one thing I’d kinda like to do with you tonight. Do you have any birthday stuff planned with mum?”32

I made a tiny gagging noise in the back of my throat. Was Jake asking me out on a date? My heart pounded against my chest, purring in delight. Keeping my voice casual I simply asked, “why?”33

“Well,” he chuckled, “since me and the gang were not allowed to celebrate your birthday, we decided to throw a random party tonight - for no reason in particular - invite you, and then watch as you opened all the presents we got you - also for no reason in particular.” He eyed me slyly, waiting for my reaction.34

“That’s just cruel,” I sulked.35

“Well I was going for sheer genius,” he replied smugly, “but since you are in fact on the losing side of this argument, I’ll forgive you. Just this once.”36

“Yippee,” I grumbled, swirling a finger. It was hard to stay mad at one of the most attractive boys in school, but somehow, I found a way. Ignoring the call of his ever-so-tempting lips, I made my way through the crowded gardens to a miraculously free bench. Sitting down, I stretched peacefully, letting the occasional breeze flutter against my hair. 37

I felt at total ease in this place, arms resting casually above my head. The sweet smells of honeysuckle and lavender wafted gently under my nose, tantalizing my senses with its glorious aroma. My eyes drifted skyward to the occasional cherry blossom falling from the tree beside and returned my gaze contentedly back to the students. 38

I didn’t like to admit it, even more so out loud, but this school was kind of nice. It had lots of shade, breath-taking gardens and walls where students were actually allowed to demonstrate their creativity (as appose to sneaking graffiti on them after hours.) The uniforms weren’t so bad either. Girls were free to choose between black shorts or skirts, depending on what they preferred, with a matching t-shirt; white with black trim. Our shoes were black and our socks were white, same as the boys and the only real difference between the sexes was, as of yet, I had never seen a boy choose a skirt, over a pair of Sheridan High’s ebony shorts. 39

‘Brrrrrrriiiiiiiiinnng!’ 40

I sighed miserably. That was the bell, the call of yet another dreary and pointless Monday and the sound of defeat for every other student in the vicinity. “God help us all,” I muttered. “May our fun rest in peace.”41

Walking into the Maths room with Jake was like stepping into my own personal hell. Although nobody dared to complain, the look on their faces was enough to show just how much turmoil they were really in. 42

Mathematical notes and symbols were plastered all over the walls and the room itself seemed to seep with a growing depression. But then, Mr Percival always had that effect on people.43

As the final students slowly found passage to their seats, the three amigos Jake and I had been waiting for arrived. Tyson Demisi, Jake’s right hand man and steady trickster, Kyle Himeno, the brains of the bunch and finally Alexis Himeno, Kyle’s annoying twin sister. Despite this key fact however, I had never met two people less alike. Kyle liked to read and write, Alexis liked to watch T.V and play sports. Kyle enjoyed the pleasant sounds of olden day classics whilst Alexis listened to hard-core rock. They were red and blue, chalk and cheese, mud and water. They would never find a common ground. 44

Thinking of obvious differences between males and females left me instantly disgruntled. Even after eleven years, Jake still hadn't shown the slightest bit of interest in me, thus I never did pluck up the courage to ask him out. 45

“What’s with the gloomy face, El?” asked Alexis with a start. I rolled my eyes. That girl never missed a thing with me. That said, she already knew about my desire for Jake. 46

I focused, trying to bring about my best possible poker face. “It’s nothing,” I replied. Alexis immediately took the vacated seat to my left and leaned forward in expectance. She even clasped her hands upon the table in some silent indication that I might, and should elaborate. 47

Frankly, I didn’t understand why she bothered. It’s not like I was going to tell her my life story. She flicked back her silky brown pigtails and glared at me through emerald eyes. Alexis, or ‘Alex’ as she favoured, was a lot taller than me and far more intimidating as well. Plus with a much stockier frame, when it came right down to it, I didn’t stand a chance.48

“Tell me,” she demanded. For a fleeting instant, I felt rather strange. My brain buzzed as if it was sorting through data to find the truth. I tried to lie but the words were lost somewhere between my throat and tongue. 49

“It’s not fair,” I began. “First I’m beleaguered with these ridiculous nightmares that never seem to go away, my father leaves me on my birthday and yet you people wanna celebrate the mark of such an occasion…” My voice began raising in volume, the speed of my words quickening with each passing moment. “Not to mention the stupid assessment I had to do last night for this worthless class, I mean honestly, who the heck cares about trigonometry anyway? Hell, I’m never going to use it! Plus my back really hurts from all these humungous text books I have to carry around with me today, again, for classes that I care nothing for!”50

The room went very quiet. I hadn’t even noticed that our teacher, Mr Percival had walked in. He just looked at me in astonishment, mouth forming a distinct ‘0’ shape. That was the final straw. I picked up my things and bolted out the door, slamming it behind. I managed to run down seven halls, three flights of stairs and lock myself in a toilet cubicle before I was even out of breath. 51

A sense of adrenaline roared through my bloodstream; I felt alive, free. But the moment passed. I started to tremble, my bottom lip quivering in shock. Why did I do that? 52

“Um, Ella?” Alex’s voice echoed throughout the bathroom. I could see her shoes had paused in front of my cubicle, the only one that was closed. 53

“Yeah?” came my shaky response. 54

I sighed and unlocked the door. Alex’s frame towered above mine as I sat pitifully on the porcelain toilet seat. She didn’t know what to say. Grabbing my hand, she carefully walked me out of the bathroom. Each step we took boomed through our chosen silence. I noticed that she was wearing shorts again today. I tugged at my skirt unwillingly. She may have had the facial similarities of her brother, but there was no way he possessed curves like that.55

It was only when I realised we’d already passed the stairs that led to our lesson, did I finally speak. “Isn’t the classroom that-a-way?” I pointed behind us. A crow overhead seemed to cackle in delight at my question. I scowled, eager for something to hit it. I didn’t know what it was about that bird, but immediately, I knew I didn’t like it.56

Alexis stopped walking. Still glaring up at the crow, I bumped clumsily into her back. She had led me to the very outskirts of the school grounds where not even the casual chirping of birds could be perceived. I looked up at her in wonderment. Why had she taken me here?57

“Ella, I am so sorry,” she whimpered. “Truly I am.” 58

“Why?” I asked. Rays of dull light swayed across our feet, diving in and out of the trees. She looked scared. Yet there was a glint in her eyes, I didn’t quite recognise. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. 59

Blades of dead grass rustled in the wind, the rustic fence groaning against the strengthening breeze. Alexis beckoned me forward with a casual flick of her hand. Even in my current confusion my body still followed. 60

Suddenly, she was embracing me, hugging me. It didn’t make any sense. Alexis hated that kind of corny affection from friends. So why was it she was hugging me? “You should know by now, Ella,” she hissed venomously in my ear. “To never, ever let your guard down. Now die.” I screamed in pain as something white hot plunged into my chest. I fell to the ground squirming, jerking, even writhing in agony. She just laughed. 61

The winds started picking up to an alarming rate and I felt my body being slowly lifted from the ground. Nature seemed to be howling in desperation as my life force slowly faded away into nothingness. The sky above grew dim and obscure as my pain intensified beyond belief. Lightning flashed all around me, the thunder growling in rage. Yet instead of rain falling from the clouds, it was tiny droplets of blood, my blood. 62

As my vision began to blur, her countenance altered. Alex’s uniform was slowly being replaced with a violet cloak, and her face was aging into that of an older woman. Her hair became knotted and lighter - it was turning blonde - and her eyes, her eyes were a vibrant, flashing crimson. I reached for her, begging this woman silently to help, but the last thing I saw, was enough to chill any young girl to the bone. It wasn’t my hand I had raised.63

“Aargh!” I jerked upright with a start. Jake was bent over my desk, fear and confusion etched across his face. I quickly looked around. I was in the Maths classroom again and every single head was facing my direction. I looked down at my notes…I had written an entire lesson’s worth. Blinking in surprise, I stared around at my friends.64

“I musta fallen asleep,” I stuttered.65

“But you can’t have,” said Jake in frustration. “You’re eyes were open the whole time! You’ve been taking notes, I saw you.” Yet another thing that bothered me today, that statement. Jake wasn’t the type to lie, which forced me to believe I not only had nightmares whilst I was sleeping, but also when I was wide awake.66

“S-Sorry Mr Percival,” I stammered abruptly. Our Maths teacher snorted in disbelief, apparently my apology was less than forgiven. Rubbing chalk off his paisley sweater, he twitched his moustache in preparation. Heads darted back to the board as he continued on with another lecture. Jake returned to his seat and Alexis tried smiling to cheer me up. All it did was make me slightly nauseous. After all, if you’ve just pictured one of your closest friends murdering you, dream or not, naturally you would feel a little edgy.67

As I looked down at my notes once more, I was rather tempted to scream again. My pencil….most incredibly…was…moving on its own. I lunged my right hand forward to grab it and, in response, it merely dragged my hand along with it as it continued writing. I bit my lip. Had the others possibly noticed this irregular phenomenon? Or was I simply dreaming yet again? 68

* * *69

For the next few hours, school was my prison. My dungeon of torment and chains. Tyson thought of me as a living and breathing joke, mimicking me right up until the end of our last lesson together. He would hold a hand over his eyes and pretend to stumble around blindly, only to open them again and feign surprise. The eighth time he attempted it, I kicked him hard in the shins and watched him really stumble blindly into a wall. Strangely enough, he just grinned, like the pain didn’t even phase him. 70

So as my birthday drew to a close, I felt my body give an inward sigh of liberation. It was over; done for the day. Sitting blithely on my desk chair, twiddling a pacer and wondering how I could possibly pay him back, it occurred to me that I was still expecting a small miracle - for my class work to just write itself. 71

Who am I trying to kid here? I thought in defeat. I performed wonders every day. Like this afternoon in class where I was, once again, for lack of a better word dreaming. Except that my dreams, weren’t what most people would consider normal. For of all the possible things a teenage girl could dream about - boys, parties, trips to the mall - I was always stuck with death, strange occurrences and scaly monsters. Then there was the fact I had the ability to sleep with my eyes open, something I had been doing right up ‘til the recent bell. 72

Professionals would probably diagnose me with a sleeping disorder and say that I was merely ‘sleep walking’ or that ‘it was nothing to worry about.’ Me, I knew different, because lately parts of my nightmares were coming true. Last Thursday, when a small Asian girl had been running across the road, I screamed out to her in warning. I’d already seen the motorbike hit her in my visions the night before, but I could never imagine I would have to witness the incident yet again. Or the time when Jake’s younger brother had almost drowned in the ocean. The only reason he was still alive, was because the lifeguard knew exactly where to find him - I’d already predicted that too. 73

This power, this unnatural gift I had been bestowed, I liked to think that it was giving me warnings, offering me a chance to help those that were in dire need. I loved the idea of helping my fellow man but to openly admit I could predict the future? People had been sent to asylums for a lot less, so I did my best to blend in and ignore. Then again, every time I denied one of my dreams or pretended that it wasn’t real, somebody else would pay the price, whether it was in blood, sweat or tears…and I had to live with that. Knowing that I was costing lives.74

I shuddered at the idea, packing up my books and pencil case to prepare myself for the worst battle imaginable, making my way through the school halls unharmed. I stepped uneasily out of the classroom to join the brimming teenage masses of Sheridan High, dodging left and right as people pushed me impatiently out of the way. 75

Rubbing my shoulders, I thought I caught a glimpse of blonde that looked all too familiar. Smiling, I walked over to greet him. “Unbe-freaking-lievable!” Tyson was saying as I approached, his sapphire eyes sparkling in triumph. “You actually said yes!”76

“Hey! It’s supposed to be private, numbskull,” muttered Alexis, scurrying out of their English class. She glared menacingly at Tyson whose saggy uniform seemed wasted on such an elite figure. As captain of both the basketball and footy team, Tyson’s exercise regime was practically a full time job. Not to say that it wasn‘t its own reward. 77

A small group of passing ninth graders gawked at him in amazement. Tyson grinned. His blonde hair was gelled up in a casual disarray. To most it would appear as if he didn’t care whether girls liked him or not, but Jake and I both knew how long he could stand in front of a mirror. 78

Trying not to look too interested in their quarrel - that was just asking for trouble - I turned insouciantly toward my friends. Spotting the movement from the corner of his eye, Tyson nearly jumped a foot in the air. “Ella!” he laughed, shocked by my sudden appearance and thrilled to have a spectator. “You‘ll never guess what just happened in class!” 79

Alexis stared him down, as if daring him to continue. “Okay,” I clucked, taking in her cold expression. “You’ve got my interest. What happened?” 80

“That guy,” he gushed, “Peter Murphy in grade twelve, totally just asked Alex out! Can you believe it?” I could feel my eyes pop at this latest development. So much for my friends and I being un-dateable. Meanwhile, Alexis had lost all of her bravado, flushing a violent shade of red and scuffing her shoes bashfully against the floor.81

“Ya don't say. And what did Little Miss Sports Queen tell him?” I teased, already fully aware of the answer. 82

Tyson winked. “Like you don’t already know.” 83

I gasped in astonishment. That sentence could be taken one of two ways and honestly, I wasn’t sure as to which he was referring. Had he somehow caught on to my little episodes I had whilst I was asleep? Did he by some means know that I was predicting the future and understood that was how I always guessed so accurately? 84

My eyes pierced his, searching deeper and deeper for some sign of knowledge or dark humour in his glance. But there was none. Just sweet, childish innocence. I sighed in relief. I really had to work on my paranoia. 85

Escaping into the bustling school yard, the three of us finally met up with Kyle beneath a sycamore and Tyson was eager to share the news. Honestly though, Kyle didn't strike me as interested for the time being. His nose was buried in a science book, his chocolate coloured fringe hanging limply over his forehead. 86

Compared to Tyson, or even Jake for that matter, Alex’s brother was incredibly slight. He had some tone to his body, unlike me, but that didn’t stop him from looking weak and ashen. In my opinion, Kyle and I were the physically weakest links of our sexes. We were both fairly shy when it came to communication with the opposite gender, he was gangly and I was scarily diminutive. Not to mention the fact that my front half looked like a surfboard whilst my back side was nothing more than a joke. If I had walked in on myself half naked, even I would have stifled a laugh. 87

Catching onto his mood, Alexis paused in front of her brother, ripping the book from his hands and halting his progress. She frowned up at him, staring silently into an identical pair of emerald green eyes. “Why are you so frumpy this afternoon?” Alexis demanded, hands on hips. 88

Her brother didn't answer.89

“You can't lie to me Kyle,” she crowed, tone turning threatening as a roll of thunder clapped in the distance. “I’m your sister. Guarantee that I’ll find out somehow.” She held the book precariously above a puddle of mud. 90

Grinding his teeth and scowling at her hatefully, he muttered, “you can‘t seriously intend to drop that.” She waggled it dangerously once more and he threw up his hands to call truce. “Alright. Fine. If you must know, I asked a girl out and she said no. Are we all good now?” he hissed vehemently, watching the volume sway from left to right. “Does my rejection appease you?” 91

Again, I was taken by total surprise. What was going on with everyone today? Had somebody dropped some kind of love potion in the school’s water supply that I’d sadly missed out on? 92

“My god, you can be such a wet blanket sometimes,” groaned Alexis, far from apologetic. 93

“Oh I’m sorry,” he growled sarcastically, yanking back his hardcover. “Am I annoying you? I can’t even begin to imagine how that feels.” 94

“Take it easy you two,” I warned, stepping between them swiftly, trying to break up the fight. “Alexis doesn’t really get a kick out of your pain.” 95

“Well of course she does,” Tyson interrupted slyly. “Because without his suffering I might have accidentally let slip that she was now dating Peter Murphy in grade twelve and who knows what kind of trouble that may have caused.” He gasped innocently, putting on a sickly-sweet, totally naive look of horror. “Oh no, I think I may have said too much!” Kyle laughed so hard, he had tears in his eyes before he was finally calm again. Meanwhile, his sister's were narrowed in the utmost malevolence. I could sense a plan for revenge coming on here so I did my best to look innocent and frail. “Oh relax already butch,” Tyson sighed, putting his arm around her. “He was bound to find out sooner or later. Best get it over with, I say.” 96

“Yeah, well, I didn’t ask you, now did I?” she snapped. “It’s not your business to go running about, telling people my secrets.” 97

“And now you know how it feels,” I replied. 98

She blinked uncertainly. “Say what?” 99

“Oh, come off it!” I cried. “You’ve got to be one of the biggest blabber-mouths in history. No wonder I don’t like telling you things anymore.” 100

“That’s not fair,” she argued, stray hairs falling into her face. “I never told anyone about the fact you have a crush on -” 101

“Ah ha!” I pointed at her fiercely, nearly poking out her eye. My confident yell had only just managed to stop her from mentioning Jake’s name. “You see? You almost did it again!” Alexis folded her arms, her port falling heavily into the crook of her elbow. 102

“Whatever, you so cheated.”103

“If you say so,” I snickered. “Anyways, I gotta go. Jake’s probably waiting for me around the corner.” I gave my friends a quick wave - Alexis not giving one in return as she had her nose in the air - and continued to march, following the school’s dissipating and rubbish filled gardens down the footpath. 104

Jake was the only one who lived even remotely close to my neighbourhood. It meant that we got to walk together in peace for at least ten to fifteen minutes every afternoon. We walked together in the mornings as well, just not as frequently, due to our different lifestyles and my dangerous early bird moods. It was time that I treasured beyond all possible belief, and yet, time that didn't go nearly slow enough as I'd like. 105

“Ready to go?” he asked, as I approached a shadowy figure leaning casually against the brick wall. 106

“What? Home?” I laughed pleasantly. “Of course I am. Today couldn‘t have been any worse.” 107

“Actually,” he started, fidgeting uncomfortably. “I was thinking more along the lines of an ice cream. If that‘s okay with you.” 108

“Baskin and Robins?” 109

He nodded, watching me lick my lips at the very thought. “Sure. I can’t imagine a place any better.” We walked side by side in the opposite direction to our homes, so close that we could’ve passed as a couple. I smiled cheerily at the thought. 110

As we reached the busier streets of Sheridan, the trees eventually thinned and were replaced with tall buildings and car parks. Holding open the parlour door for me, I walked past him, fighting a smile. 111

Staring hungrily through the glass at each of the thirty-one flavours, I patted my pockets and was suddenly made aware of our dilemma. “But I don’t have any money,” I groaned, hanging my head miserably, ready to turn away. 112

Jake however grabbed hold of my arm, waving a thick, black wallet in front of my eyes. “I’ll be the one paying, of course,” he replied, instructing the lady as to what he wanted. “It’s your birthday. Besides, the gentleman never makes a girl pay for her own food.” 113

“Oh.” Now excited by the concept of a free dessert, I read every ice-cream description carefully. After a few moments, I had decided. “Can I have one scoop of macadamia and cream and one of the coconut? Please?” I added hastily. 114

Jake sniggered as the lady scooped out my flavours and served them in a disposable cup. “What’s so funny?” I wondered, watching him suck away at the plastic spoon. 115

“Well, I don’t know if you were listening to my order or not,” he chuckled, handing the woman his money. “But we just got the exact same thing.” He showed me his cup to prove it. 116

“Hey, wow,” I muttered around a mouthful of ice cream. “That is weird.” Coming to rest at one of the small, metallic tables outside, we watched the cars and trucks zoom speedily past all of the eateries. “You do realise that this is to make up for this morning though, right?” he asked, prodding his spoon in my direction. “You made me feel so bad about planning you a surprise birthday party. Do you have any idea how illogical that sounds?” 117

“Speaking of which,” I replied, putting down my cup and whipping out the black and silver Motorola from my shirt pocket. I scanned through the miniscule list of phone numbers stored away in my directory and selected the appropriate one with a grin. The concept of having fun on my birthday may have meant the world to her, but surely I deserved some kind of say in the matter? It was a mother’s unspoken duty to side with her daughter in such affairs, even if she did fraternise with the enemy on a daily basis. 118

Jake however, merely huffed as if he somehow expected this particular tactic all along. “You’re wasting a phone call,” he teased, placing his hands comfortably behind his head. 119

I measured his expression carefully. “Oh really?” I grumbled, thumb resting gently on the call button. “And pray tell why that is?” 120

He leered at me, tempting me to crack. “Because she’s driving you.” My eyes narrowed shrewdly. So mother was in on it. Damn. He really had thought this through. 121

I squashed the call button anyway - just in case he was trying to psych me out - and waited impatiently as my phone rang. After several rings, the phone sent me straight to her message bank. “Hi, this is Jessica Paul from M & T's Law Firm,” the receiver said. “Unfortunately, I cannot answer any calls at the moment but please feel free to leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Oh and Ella honey, resistance is futile.” I stopped and glared at the sudden mention of my name. “And for the life of me I can’t remember if I was supposed to take you to your lover-boy’s party or not. Do you know if Jake’s going to be escorting you?” My nails rapped intolerantly on the table. I didn't like the emphasis she had placed on the word ‘escorting’ and that first part made me realise in horror that at least a dozen other people may have already heard this message. I could see my tombstone now: Ella Paul 1991-2007. Loving Daughter. Died of Embarrassment. 122

“Oh god, mum,” I groaned, the taste of bile rising steadily in my throat. “What have you done?” 123

“Jake and Tyson have been planning this for weeks Ella,” she continued, much to my disbelief. “So you will be going and that’s final. Like it or lump it.” Her tone softened and I thought that finally, the recording had ended. I was wrong. “Yes, yes, I know what you’re thinking. He’s not really your boyfriend but he will be after -” I suddenly wished I had the strength to crush my phone into pieces - “so best of luck. Oh and Ella,” she laughed mockingly through the speaker. “This was just a hoax. I recorded this message especially for your phone. One of the new tricks I’ve learnt at work. None of my clients actually heard any of that.” My lips formed a tight line and the phone buttons started screaming under the sudden pressure of my clenched fist. Unbelievable. Did she think it was April Fools?124

The phone beeped and I left my disgruntled response for her return. “Fine then, whatever,” I muttered, stifling a yawn. I hoped I wasn’t about to fall asleep. “See you this afternoon.” 125

As soon as I‘d disconnected the call, Jake started to grin. “So what‘s the verdict?” he asked, looking exceptionally pleased with himself. I was tempted to throw my phone at his cocky and arrogant head. “Oh come on, Ella,” he pleaded desperately, understanding my silence to be one of sheer frustration. “Don’t be like that. You know I did this for your benefit. You mean the world to me.” My pupils widened and I flushed pink with pleasure. “I mean, you know,” he added hastily, averting my gaze. “As a friend.” My eyes turned downcast, mimicking the gloomy weather above. Just friends huh?126

Getting to my feet, I scraped up the remaining ice cream and tossed my container in the trash. I couldn’t believe I had actually deluded myself into believing we would ever be more than pals. Jake laughed aloud at my expression, assuming it was in response to his party and wrapped an arm comfortingly around my shoulder as we departed. There was something not quite right about the way he was looking at me as he did so. It was almost…embarrassed. “Hey, um, Ella?” he asked hesitantly, his breathing uneven. “There’s something I’ve wanted to…talk to you about. For a while now. Would you like to go out on a -?” 127

A loud rumble thundered overhead, quickly followed by a flash of bright, stunning light. The storm had finally hit its peak. “Oh this is just great,” I heard him mutter. “Nothing like a good strong rain to get a party going.” 128

As a heavy downpour spattered across the pavement, I felt my hopes of ever being Jake’s girlfriend all but wash away into the drains. He had said it himself. All he thought of me as was a friend. 129

In mere seconds we had been soaked and as I stood there, sulking in the rain, eleven years of pent up frustration slowly escaped. “God! I wish this storm would just pack its bags and shove off,” I whispered darkly, knowing that my hair would soon resemble a bird’s nest.130

It all happened very suddenly after that. The gentle breezes I’d been enjoying so much were reaching full force at a frightening speed. They hurtled skyward, directing their currents toward the looming clouds overhead, pushing them out of sight. 131

The overcast weather died out so quickly that Jake and I were at a loss for words. Not a single drop of rain fell from the sky and the ever-blinding Sheridan sun returned. I looked, bewildered at the ground for evidence, just to clarify that it had really been raining. 132

“Wo. D-Did you see that? Tell me you saw that!” Jake and several other townsfolk were staring in complete awe at the sky. Thankfully, he hadn’t heard my little command. At least, that’s what it had to be. There was no other explanation and yet even I was having trouble swallowing it. Freaky visions were one thing but controlling the weather? Now that made me uneasy.133

Even after Jake and I parted, my mind was still centred upon what was wrong with me. I barely noticed where my feet were going as I plodded onward through the streets. It wasn’t until a good two to three minutes later did I eventually comprehend that I had taken a wrong turn somewhere. I was facing one of the infuriating dead ends of a grubby alleyway. 134

I turned on my heel and smacked head first into a complete stranger. “Oh my god, I am so sorry,” I mumbled, rubbing my brow and seeing stars. “I wasn’t looking where I was going and…what in the world?!” I dropped my port and skidded to a halt. 135

“Hello Ella,” whispered the stranger politely. “Long time no see.” 136

I wrestled back a scream. The girl standing before me was a true vision of violet and fuchsia. Her hair was wild, spiky and purple and weirder still, her fuchsia eyes actually seemed to match. 137

I edged away from this demon in horror. Her smile was unquestionably not human. For I’d always liked the appearance of a vampire but to actually have fangs like this girl possessed? Not a chance. They looked sharp, white and deadly, very similar to the miniature horns producing from her head. 138

“Did you really think you could run away from me?” she challenged, bearing down on me, an unseasonable fog blowing around our feet. “To hide from your true destiny?” 139

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I faltered, taking in her leathery wings and violet tail. “But you stay away from my family.” 140

“Why?” she asked slyly, stepping forward and trapping me inside. “They’re my family too.” 141

I balled my hands into tiny fists and spat at her, “like hell they are!” 142

She held one hand to each side of the alleyway walls and chuckled. There was no way to get around her. Nowhere to run. “Oh don’t get your knickers in such a twist,” she growled in irritation. “We are like the two sides of a coin you and I. Separated by chance, and yet forever destined to be the whole.” 143

“What is it that you want?” I threw back at her, confused by her riddling words. 144

“Isn’t it obvious?” she barked. “I want you to accept me! To admit that I am you.” She let go of the walls and indicated to her body with a flourish. My body. 145

This crazy hallucination of mine was wearing a tight, fuchsia boob-tube that appeared to be covered in hundreds of flashing scales. Her long, muscular legs were wrapped in a small, violet and perky mini-skirt that flared out at the ends and she wore shockingly inappropriate knee high purple boots. These too were covered in the shiny, little scales and in addition, also had what appeared to be bones sticking out. 146

“Why are you so desperate to deny the truth here, Ella?” she asked more kindly. “Are you afraid of what we’ll become?” 147

“Among other things,” I whispered, trying with all my might not to faint. “You can’t blame me for being overwhelmed.” 148

“No,” she murmured softly, hazing slowly out of view. “I guess I can’t.”149

Finally, I tore my eyes away from the stranger and made a break for it. I’d seen enough. This freak was responsible for this morning’s outbreak in panic, my constant fears of going to sleep and the never-ending nightmares of demons that plagued me. This fiend, this…version of me, is what bothered me above all else, because as of yet, I had never experienced the same dream twice. But this monster that stared back at me with such mocking, visited my dreams every, single night.150

Paul Residence, Second Floor, 151

First Room to the Right 3:42 pm March 23rd Monday EST 152

Still rattled by this afternoon’s delirium, I sculled a glass of water by my bedside and prayed that she wouldn’t come visit me again tonight. Seeing her in my sleep was bad enough but did she really have to bother me when I was awake now too? In between all the visions, weather control and/or freaky alter-egos haunting my every thought, I was starting to feel like a superhero television series.153

With that in mind, I decided to make one of my proverbial award-winning lists. The situation clearly required one. A list of every weird fact, dream or episode that had occurred over the past few weeks. I stretched across my bedspread and felt around on the floor for a pencil and piece of paper. Licking the tip of my pencil carefully, I closed my eyes and tried to imagine where to start.154

Fact - I can sleep with my eyes open155

Fact - I possess the ability to predict the future156

Fact - It only works whilst I’m asleep157

Fact - I am a freak158

Possibility - I can control the elements159

Undetermined - I can make pencils move on their own160

Dangerous to Consider - If I do possess the ability to predict the future what does that mean for the two other dreams I had today? 161

- Will I turn into that demonic woman?162

- Will Alexis try to kill me?163

More Research Required- What is it that I’m turning into?164

I pondered that question the most. It seemed even more disturbing written down. The voice in the back of my mind, the one who always tried to convince me a vision wasn’t true, was silent. Perhaps it had given up, finally overwhelmed by the piles of evidence stacked against it.165

Reaching carelessly behind me, my fingers found something smooth and papery wedged between my comforter pillow and sheets. I dragged the mysterious object to the very centre of my gaze and when I ultimately saw what it was, I was severely tempted to just scrunch it up and toss it in the trash.166

It was a picture. A decade old photograph of me with my mum and dad, blowing out the six candles on my birthday cake. They were so cheerful and merry; my father grinning from ear to ear as he put his arms around his precious little daughter. The cake was a gigantic mass of layers and chocolate icing with candles and sparklers dancing like tiny fireflies in the frame. I shoved the picture back to where I’d found it in anger. Because of him, I’d never be able to enjoy another birthday celebration again.167

After a few more hours of moping and mulling over my own fate, I pulled on my vivid blue denims and a purple sequined shirt - that looked scarily like my alter-ego’s - before spinning around in front of the mirror. Okay, this was bad. True to their own, my faithful jeans remained flawlessly perfect, but the shirt...it was a violet disaster. I skimmed my hands feverishly over the top, flattening it firmly against my chest. Screw being a pole dancer when I grew up, heck, I’d be the pole! All I’d have to do is stand sideways and not blink. 168

“Oh I give up!” I groaned, collapsing miserably onto the floor. This was the tenth outfit I‘d put together this evening and none of them seemed to be good enough. “I‘m never going to be ready in time! Forget it. Jake can just go ahead and hate me.” Glaring cattily at the top of my unwanted presents pile, I blinked in surprise. Dashing over, I unearthed a dress that I couldn’t even remember getting. 169

It was made of a light, silky fabric that caressed my skin and shone a brilliant white reminiscent to pearls. Large splashes of colour and flowers adorned the dress and I tugged off my other clothes hastily to try it on. 170

I was pleasantly surprised by how curvy it made my body look. My mother had excellent taste when it came to hairstyles and fashion sense and I honestly hadn’t paid attention to it this morning. Now I really felt bad. “Are you ready yet?” she bellowed up the stairs - and cue the interfering parent.171

“Just give me a couple more minutes to do my hair,” I called decisively, still admiring the garment. “I’ll be down when I’m finished.”172

“Oh and Ella honey,” she continued, now right outside my door; how she managed to get there so fast was astounding. “Kindly check your messages please. You left your phone on the counter and it’s been buzzing an awful lot since I‘ve been down here. I am trying to cook dinner you know and that ring tone of yours is rather annoying.”173

The hamster dance? I thought in surprise. But that was one of the classics!174

Guaranteed the whole lot of those messages that my mother was referring to, were all from the same people wondering where the hell I was this evening. I’d have to come up with a decent excuse to cover my tracks. I could hardly say I was trying to figure out why I had powers. Perhaps I’d just have to degrade myself and say that I’d fallen asleep again. Tyson would believe that. 175

Plodding lazily down the stairs I passed my mum unnoticed in the kitchen and snatched up my mobile discreetly from the bench. 13 new messages. Well that was a new record.176

My stomach growled hungrily as the hot, steaming smell of Dim Sims played tauntingly with my nose. I reached for the pan surreptitiously but my hand was smacked away with a wooden spoon. Did my mother have eyes in the back of her head or something? And where did those reflexes come from? “How’d you know I was there?” I asked, rubbing the sore spot below my wrist. 177

She had a cooking apron wrapped tightly around her waist, having changed into something more casual and was prancing around bare-footed. “Mother’s intuition,” she smirked. “Now hurry up and get organised, your friends must be getting desperate.” She waved the ladle at me threateningly.178

“Yeah, no kidding,” I whispered, scrawling through all of my phone options. “Alexis has been texting all afternoon.”179

As I unearthed some matching shoes, make-up and stylised my hair, I read the messages that quickly went from anxious to downright rude.180

Message 1: Hi Ella, I think you must have forgotten what time the party started. No problem. It was ten minutes ago so try to get here as soon as you can. Sorry for not reminding you before.181

Message 4: Seriously Ella! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING? YOU HAD BETTER NOT BE STANDING US UP OR ELSE!182

Message 9: Jake will never forgive you for this so just go ahead and kiss your love life goodbye!183

Message 13: Oh for Pete’s sake! I give up! You do what you gotta do! Clearly your friends no longer matter!184

It seemed I’d have to have a private word with her after the party tonight. 185

Thirty five minutes later, my mother and I pulled up in front of Jake’s house. Or rather, the huge iron gate at least a hundred metres from it. Jake’s household was enormous. I hopped out of the car and tossed her another pleading look, but she drove off before I could even beg for an alternative birthday. At least she said I looked nice.186

As the sound of her engine died out around the corner, I followed the daunting pink and yellow balloons taped to every available surface along the drive. Some had even pulled free of their placements, only to be caught again in several long and particularly twisted branches. I really felt for them. Ensnared with no real chance of escape. Just like me. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. 187

Then Jake emerged from the side gate and all thoughts of leaving disappeared. Despite the fact I hated parties, hated dressing-up and hated presents, a simple smile from Jake seemed to throw all of my growing troubles away. And at that moment, I promised myself, nothing weird was going to happen, at least not tonight. Funny, how destiny has a way of changing things.188