-SAM MCHOAN-
I was thirteen, surfing, skillfully, until I realised I was starting to slip and I did fell into water since I felt dizzy, I couldn't swim or scream, lifeguard saved me but my eyes were close. I guess a tide ran over my parents I couldn't even imagine how worse the situation could've been with me laying unconscious in hospital bed for straight two weeks. Everything was fine before that but when I opened my eyes, I felt like I have lived more than thirty years at first, suddenly everything felt obfuscated, lost appetite and conversation became a tough task, depressed over everything I skipped school for another few weeks. Dad arranged personal tutor for me, Mrs. Hampton strict but kind lady, a trusted teacher of my school, my parents were puzzled over how mature I have become after waking up.
Those two weeks have imprinted something on me, they said my pulse showed fluctuations but see I'm alive. I haven't spoke about any of it to anyone, my girlfriends still can't figure out how I'm so good at choosing dresses for them, how I could fix makeup with absolutely nothing and some asked if I liked cross-dressing too? Do I? I asked myself that too.
NO.
I'm a man and I love to shave my face every morning, getting dressed, and most importantly sex, woman in bed drive me crazy, I love sports and I never got turned on by a man. So things were pretty clear for me, also eventhough it is a bit weird I loved who I was for those two weeks I enjoyed being a woman in some parts it was magical never have I ever had such vivid dreaming, and so even before I could click, answer was apparently direct, conclusion, it was just a dream.
Although I don't believe much into such stuff I read books on dreams and there's a whole new world of it out there, few things do rose upto surface and then I got my hands on a term called reincarnation also the term is completely philosophical and religious also spiritual. Nobody. Nobody could know what I felt, the question was if it is possible? If! There should always be if's into our lives to atleast ponder over such things.
I would love to meet those people again, just curious how they look now. I'm also curious about the feeling I'll get when I see them in this life.
"Should I carry your breakfast upstairs?" I wink at her, she understands that I will eat it in dinning hall, I hurriedly arrange my books, I was sixteen when Mrs.Hampton died due too heart attack, she always had a weak heart doctor said and everyone believed it except me there were rumors that she was left unattended, she was such a sweet lady she never had kids so I was like her son, she always loved those flowers I use to gift her, death in particular was a threat for me it is indeed a threat for everyone who's living but for me I'm quiet sensitive on this topic.
Mr. Bob Tuscan is a part that I can never erase from my life no matter how execrably I want it to be gone.
He replaced Mrs.Hampton recognized for his language and arthimetic skills my parents said I was lucky to get a teacher like him. By that time Ken had arrived, I saw him on streets I know I wasn't hallucinating he was just making it difficult for me, so I wrote letters to him and the letters were read, I received two replies from him. School was good, I always enjoyed learning and sports when body is moving it just feels too good, it was everyday that I was having sex with this girl from other school she was pretty, and one day while we were making out, her sprawled naked on my father's study desk and I had my pants down, so engrossed that I forgot it was time for Tuscan to show up, It was my room, the study place, he probably must've waited for me and his impatient ass, started searching for me, just to find me fucking the soul out of the girl who was the same freak as me, I briskly covered the girl and slide my pants up.
I begged,
He agreed and said he understood me, also that there is absolutely no need to worry, that he didn't saw anything, my results were out and I stood fifth in my class, my parents were happy and they gave him a raise. When they appreciated his work he covered it saying,
I was a bright kid "but there's always a place for better", so he extended hours of studying, that afternoon it was pouring heavily he sat besides me before that he has never touched me but that day something was odd. Bob was middle-aged, nobody could guess he was filthy creep and just like that he grabbed my crotch then bit my neck. I was so shocked at first I thought I was dreaming I accidentally pushed him when he tried kissing me, he fall back and lay there with his eyes wide open, I couldn't understand why he didn't move, walked over to nudge him then shake him, only then I noticed the blood,
spreading like butter block melting into hot pan, trembling like a leaf, checked his heartbeat it was still and he wasn't breathing, within a second my whole world crumbled in front of my eyes, I called my parents multiple times but none of them ever pick it up on time.
Sam!?"
I could never forget that voice even after death, I still remember him standing in black plain shirt tucked in his cream trousers which had trouser braces attached, his sliver hair and blue eyes were a cold pair, he had bouquet in his hands along with my favourite sweets. He saw me studied the room before dropping both sweets and bouquet, and sprinting towards me immediately pulling me into a tight hug, I ended bursting into tears "It is fine we can take care of it" next thing I saw was his head tied and we were digging lawn after putting the surveillance cameras out.
I let all servants leave and even now when I see those beautiful daisies and chamomiles dancing on breeze I see Tuscan standing there looking at me. With disgust.
Greed is what killed Erin, when Ken promised him gold, and unimaginable cash to have another gallery, he still chose all that over a mere ring. An impossible bargain for his painting and yet he crossed the line, if only he would've obeyed.
Fear engulfs me to be with him but unfortunately my first and last option has always been him. After burying Tuscan he took me to beach, he didn't spoke the whole while, when dawn broke over the yellow beach I told him "Not my fault" and all he said was "I agree" that's it end of conversation, he forgot Bob Tuscan like a fading memory. I pick watering can and water those flowers "even if I see you, I'm safe" I told him who was now standing besides me, he never speaks.
How would he when he's in my head!.
KEN!
It gives a bitter taste in my mouth when I call him but anyhow I was standing right infront of his beach house, taking my father's Mustang Shelby out was a bad idea I got attention a little too much. There's a number passcode at main gate, and password is my birthday. When asked why me? He answers "because that is how much I love you" this neighbourhood is one of the most expensive neighbourhoods, all those owning properties here are either celebs or people bigger than celebs most houses are empty yet maintained since it's just an asset they bought with a flick of finger.
You could hear waves all the time.
Most beautiful sunrise and sets. I pass through his perfect manicured front garden, it is funny how we are forced to live with our parents and he was kicked out, his beautiful maid Victoria greets me at door, bone-deep loyal, she leads me in "Tea or coffee Sir?" I shake my head "smoothie" she stood staring at me "Nothing specific just blend anything for me--" both of us look upstairs through chandelier.
When he started his practice, Victoria smiled she was lucky to hear him practice, at this age, he was already a graduate-level if he were in music school. I wonder if he had a tooth when he was born, or started talking right out of the womb, its so unfair.
I can guess its not the modern voilin, but a Baroque under his chin. I slowly open the door his back to me, curtains closed leaving silver lines in the opposite wall where it left an inch of space to demonstrate it was daylight. I stood there listening the bow against strings, when he plays nobody could disturb him, you just don't want him to stop. I could guess he is shirtless.
My eyes wandering to the rest of his collection, a small voilin picolo, his new modern one in its case and the bass in the corner standing majestically, the largest. He hates electric ones, and doesn't has a cello.
If only they hear him, I close my eyes, tears fell from the corner of my eyes.
If only they knew he's talented as such, and has a specific love towards classical, I can only imagine the fame he would get then.
Once a man caught him playing in an empty play theatre, he posted flyers to find the guy. It was crazy of how much he is capable of and feels absolutely plain vanilla about it.
I am proud of him like a father.
He stops and turns around to look at me then tilt his head and smile.
I almost forgot, what I came here for.
I then aggressively push open the curtains revelaing blue sky connect to the sea. Palm trees and folks on their dates even kids. And people swimming, and surfing. I turn around to face him to get greeted by his scars they are almost fading but the one below his navel is dark pink almost red as if it's fresh, but that's birthmark can't fade.
Surprisingly his hair were black, seems like doctor cracked the code, "How do you know each time I'm here?" He put his right hand over his eyes "I don't have to see you or hear you to know you are there" I snort and jump on his bed "Ha! How romantic" he stood at the foot of the bed staring at me "We are more than friends and less than a couple" he smiled then picked the silk robe from chair's arm rest before sliding it over shoulders.
"What difference do we actually have?" He tie his robe "We don't fuck" I sigh on his annoyingly stupid answer. He took a shower meanwhile I pick the book lying on the chair, and start reading from where he left, then changed the bookmark to where I stopped that pisses him off real good. He walks out with a towel on his torso, then change into pants, I pick the hair dryer and dry his hair counting moles on his neck "won't you ask Sam?" Whenever he speaks in a low tone I realize he was alredy a man now, the sultry seductive deep voice, I trace his scars he turn around then grab my hand "don't" he spring up and pulled a plain white shirt over himself. "So you have ivory black hair" he shake his head like a soaked puppy then tie it back.
Ah, long hair. "Don't dodge the question" I get up from the bed "I know it's you" he gave a light nod. "Stay for dinner" I did as he told me too, patiently waiting until the beautiful Victoria cooks for both of us, for some reason I can't take my eyes off her. After cleaning she asked whether she should stay to do the dishes or leave and Ken asked in return if there's any dessert left. She answered no and put her bag over her small shoulder before leaving her eyes slightly lingered on me.
"Should I tell her to stay?" I was taken aback by the sudden question, I spoke nothing and just flipped through the magazine I'm not paying attention to him.
"She's too beautiful for her age" he smiled at me, that mischievous smile of his made me think "Don't tell me you--" he look up at me from the table, I toss the magazine aside "Asshole" I say taking chair across him.
"It just happened, and neither of us wanted it and we have forgotten it" I open my mouth and close it.
I carefully did not touch the topic of Erin, then for dessert he ordered lemon cake from nearby bakery the cake was good, I had to check the store name.
Hours later,"space for a drink?" I shake my head, and watch him remove his pipe, he lights it up and I think things will be rolling south.
I heard door lock Maximus was back, he saw me and Ken who was now getting lost in his world. Maximus walks in "Good evening" I look at clock it sure was still an evening we had early dinner both of us stood side by side watching him sliding from chair.
"Did something happen Max" he gave one last look to Maximus and spoke nothing.
After some time when Ken has totally went out Max and I helped him into bed. "Tommorow will be a mess" Max mumbled.
Maximus! This man isn't a normal human but a mountain, his broad shoulders and sharp face could mold him into a hunk, just looks could come off cold but only few understood what a sweetie he is. He pours drink for himself and asks me I decline, and sat across him he downs his whiskey and then lays back exhaling, loosening his tie unbuttoning his top three buttons moving his fingers through his hair.
"Good evening Sir!" I turn around, a man I saw intermittently but never had a chance of conversation, a lean figure shorter than me his face reminds me of fox and that rich chocolate colour of his skin just adds up to his hot persona. He walks in strides gets a glass and settles down "This must be the first time us meeting am I right?" I nod. "I am Dexter" he skips his last name and I don't mind it at all.
I put my hand forward "And I'm--". "I know" he flashed a white smile taking my hand humbly with both his hands, "What do you know exactly?" He smiled "Well! What more do I have to know when the password is your birthday" I blush and I could feel red rising in my neck burning my cheeks they see that too.
"Recently he went to a place where he met this girl and since then its been like this" I couldn't grab what he spoke "What do you mean?" He shake his head. "There's this girl he's been obsessing over and we have been keeping tracks on her, but she has out smart us. And they just met I don't know how but that night when he returned back he threw his jacket tossed the tables, pulled an axe out and just destroyed everything, then wailed for hours" I raised a brow "He cried?" They both nod simultaneously. "We were scared, since it wasn't just crying he was screaming on top of his lungs scratching and slapping himself after hours he collapsed out of exhaustion, unconscious" I thought my ears were ringing I couldn't even imagine him throwing a fit like that since it never happened before me. "He didn't ate or drink anything for a whole day just stayed in his bed spacing out then after forcing too much he had a glass of water again skipped two days without food. Then suddenly asked me to order twenty pizzas"
I wish I was here to see. "If you could talk some sense out of it, because I'm worried since then he's been acting a little off like he's not sane".
"Like he was sane ever" I left for the night when I read the mood that Dex was continuously squeezing the thighs of drunk Max, I knew he was having it with both men and women that man is irresistible.
I drive back tired, just to see dad finishing off the brandy without fruits?
First of all what's wrong with all these people?
Why is everyone around me trying to get drunk or do drugs why? Am I the only one who's not depressed or is it that I'm careless. I ask nothing and just sat beside him watching him lose peices of his brain. It reminded me to check calender,
nope nothing that is up recently.
After an hour holding him up making him sleep I went to bed exhausted.
She's an early riser, ready even before other princesses have their first bath. Her other two sisters were still in their beds and the youngest had decided to follow the father in disguise, she exhaled dropping her shoulders, standing tall on a sturdy stone bridge feeding fishes, those lovely little colourful, beautiful creatures bring luck.
Sora and Ren never left her side, from preparing her bath to getting her ready those two were her shadows, dangerous and poised, swore their life to her.
Palace is an annoyingly, hauntingly huge house, everything was boring so she re-read all those travel journals from her youngest sister's bed chambers, being eldest she loved all her siblings even cousins, but those two had a special bond she envied how fearless and strong she was amongst all the girls, also what a heavenly beauty the youngest was, soon she will be married.
It is time they make peace with kingdom which was conquering from the north before they reach them it was time to make peace, and so they took their most trusted army batch along with loads of gifts, it is better to join hands before the invade in.
"Was Queen-mother expecting guests yesterday?" Sora inhaled before speaking "Yes! They have arrived after sunset, palace painter and a scholar" she smiled. "Did they bring along something?" The jump in her heart was real "Yes they did your highness" she won't have to ask again "a wooden box was delivered with them" Ren look at Sora she was the quiet one between both of them "Fix a meeting with them" she was now facing the setting sun, it was inappropriate for her to meet them yet she summoned them in their royal kitchen.
Dressed in a man's clothes they failed to recognise her "Show respect you stand before her royal highness" they immediately bow and greet her. She was exactly how the servants described her, too proud, beautiful, graceful her sharp eyes and tounge could take anyone's life, being the eldest daughter she was right after Queen mother there were no concubines and so they feared her more.
She didn't like that the person selected as her groom was someone who grew up in wilds, and mountains that too with mere monks, out of all thirty-two princes he was the one chosen for her, she was utterly confused why her father chose him to be their first son-in-law when there are thirty-one more options.
She has already wrote secretly to her father and ordered her quarter servants to get sit ready to sail. "I want to know about that person" straightaway to the point "What could mere servants like us know about royal household your royal highness" they were enchanted by her beauty, she looked like a nobel lotus that bloomed at midnight where moonlight delicately kissed its petals. "But I dare to say this, your highness, call off the wedding" she look at Ren who puts sword on his neck within no time "so you aren't a servant afterall" she looked at his embroided money pouch "Yes! I am son of Royal Secretary" she gave a light nod. "Why do you say so?" the other one bite his lips rubbing his hands. "It is better to kill oneself rather than marrying him".
"My father serves the greatest emperor of all time, I have highest authority in secretariat office and so I advise you to deny the marriage, it will get you killed" she sighs then dust her skirt "why do you say so?" He straightened his back "he is the cursed Prince, Queen was pregnant for seventh time, heavens, shamans, astrologists, taoists, all were against his birth. It was said that the child would be nothing but a blood thirsty, uncontrollable beast, His Imperial Highness is sensitive with this topic since all his sons were born under auspicious conditions. Queen drank posion but surprisingly baby was fine after his birth, they decide to kill him and each time they failed, so he was abandoned into mountains, grew up with monks and nobody knows how he learned so many things that no scholar could sit with him in political or literary debates, or could fight against him. Nobody knows who taught him to read, write and even calligraphy. All his brothers are failing to keep up with him and so His Imperial Highness is impressed, also trying to test heavens and his fate for once"
She couldn't believe that her father had arranged her wedding with nothing but an animal.
"Any royal secrets?" she interrogated further.
"Since the day of his arrival, prisons are wiped out empty and it has flooded numerous times and now due to drought food supply has decreased, the one who won every war was him. Each time they expect him to die, yet he returns with a greater victory, his servants are loyal to only him, and he's the most secretive person amongst royals. And somehow managed to capture emperor's heart. This marriage is nothing but a bond where you father is endorsing your brother's seat means the future King's throne. You will be thrown into a fiery pit"
she heard it all, still sailed all the way through it.
She wishes to see this man and she will, Princess was escorted to palace quietly.
She saw the armoured horse, and army of soldiers standing as staright as arrow they won't even blink. "Who are they?" She asked,
"They are waiting for his highness" and as they say, a man tall and built walks so briskly she barely got a sight of him with one jump he sat on the armoured horse, and soilders follow behind him all mounted on their horses all she saw was that long sleek hair. "It is his highness Prince Katsuo".
Saturday! We will be hunting today, I rubbed my eyes they burn a lot, skipped shower instead shaved my face neat, brushed teeth and hair, apply deodorant to armpits and pulled puffer jacket over thermals, boots and gloves, all done. I check Jen she was sleeping even my parents I left a note at kitchen top.
Driving away from main lane to the Chisteler Suburbs a colder region with fragments of spruce and fir.
I spot Ken's car, Vein was ahead of him after two kilmoeteres, I notice a black car behind me complete stranger, No traffic, straight carriageaway, I accelerated to 80 mph and Ken was faster than me its too risky. We stopped at to at a rusty board 'GOD'S RANGE' I couldn't read which forest department because its corroded so badly that with one flick it would fall apart. Ken got off with his guest, I thought maybe I was dreaming but it really was Nathaniel. His blonde mohawk was flattened to a hairstyle I won't understand thankfully he look more human this way. He smiled at me, just the sight of him pisses me off but I have learned to control myself and he hasn't "Oh I was dragged to losers party eh!" Ken straightened his long camel hair coat Vein was looking over at the other side when a car stopped by. Is someone following us?, they get off and removed their hat. A girl?. I know her!.
All of a sudden I feel heat rising up from my abdomen, my hands sweating along with my neck.
The hell is happening. She bangs the car door annoyed, her walk reminds me of a panther I saw in zoo when I was in middle school, elegant and powerful, her boots crushing chrunchy leaves beneath them,
tall, not fancy but well maintained.
Once a national level competitor, she won thrice, these years she is out of picture.
She walks past all of us like a strong blow of wind, even surpassing Vein, but the moment she passed me an electric bolt ran through my veins. All of a sudden whole atmosphere has changed even the weather feels like breathing its last breath, maybe everyone else feels the same as I do. Maximus distributed rifels then gave her one last look his eyes squinting at her, she brought her own rifel, she tied her hair back and heaves a sigh.
She didn't show me any recognition.
Why does it feels off! As if we were soilders before entering battlefield "Everyone let me introduce the new face, Dawn Collins" she gave a nod and we stare at her, ample bosom and hips with sturdy torso the curve of her back aroused me. "Also transfer student joining next week". Bullets were distributed but we have no idea how many she brought .
We were mindlessly following Vein and Ken, Nate asked if this was legal?. We heard a firing sound "See there are people who arrived before us" We walk until Ken stopped and shot something which looks like rabbit, I look at it blood gushing out of the poor thing, it wriggled.
Five, four, three...two...one. I turn my head aside and threw up. Ken chuckled at me I wipe my face and when I raise my head. Miss Collins was watching me she pulled her rifel walking left, while we were still led by Ken we heard the bomb like sound, Ken sprinted on his feet towards the sound direction we followed up; when we stop I thought I was dreaming it was an Eld she killed a motherfucking Eld.
Where did it come from? We haven't seen creatures so big for years even Ken couldn't believe so he touched the dead deer his eyes widened when reality kicked him in,
"What the fuck!" Nate yelled, she stood there motionless "Stupid bitch this could kill us all--" I ignored him and rather focus on the something else, a shot pulled off so excellent that it was a clean ethical kill,
Curiosity is pumping through my heart. Nate went up on her face "You understand what you did! What if it's a pet and what if this was some animal breeding project how could you kill it foolishly are some--" she grabbed his mouth "Shut your trap" clenching her teeth she stare right into his eyes. He slaps her hand away "How dare you--" he raised his hand to slap but she puts a skinning knife right upto his neck "I said zip it" blood dripped down his long neck, "Ahhh! I'm bleeding" he screamed "Relax you won't die" his nostrils flared Vein pressed his kerchief against the cut.
"You guys are playing it wrong" she runs through trees and we stand there with nothing but crows cawing distantly and an eagle flies over our head. All of a sudden it feels like the forest was alive and we were held captive "Let's go back" I demanded, Vein nod I look at Nate he agreed too. As we start to leave, "No" Ken stopped us "what?" I asked annoyed "She's not here yet" Nate sucks his teeth "She fucking ran away, you idiot" only then somebody shot at Ken's foot "what the fuck--hey hey!" Nate kept babbling he couldn't run and was panicking like there was some earthquake. "This is no joke Miss Collins!" I said she laughed we could hear her she was like some invisible air, ghost, maybe it was the forest itself.
"Find me and the one who finds me can shoot me".
Nope definitely some sick joke that I didn't want to continue.
We had no choice but to find her, or she will shoot us, I walked and walked until I lost my way, when I turn around realising I'm lost a big tree stood in the way with some wild creeper haunting me, who said forests makes us feel at peace and tranquility, no its scares the shit out of you. I could hear birds, I scream their names one by one but no one responded.
Shit!.
But I do feel at peace, there's no one around me as if humans have vanished and it is only me living, breathing-- something leaped on me I almost wet my pants, a hand warm pressed on my mouth, panicky inhalations, eyes shut, citrus and sweet scent of grapefruit and something like grass and sweat, my head against the black bark. "Now listen to me" she says her breathing ragged she gulps, I felt her warm body against mine, her beautiful soft breasts against my chest, I look into her eyes, the darkest of black, there were small droplets of sweat on tip of her round nose and upper lip, "I'm sorry Sam but I didn't wanted him to know that we knew each other at some part because, that sick fuck has killed someone" referring to Ken, she kept talking and she has no idea how hard I was. I almost pulled her in but I couldn't, she has a knife. I stare at her chest, "Gottcha" Ken shot and she ran away. "Come out! You said whoever found you could shoot you" He wink at me.
There is no chance he could miss his target, he purposely did that.
Just when I was about to call she sneaked from the back and hit him in the head, rifel slipped from his hands and he turn around she hit his head again and the next time she raised it to hit him, he grabbed it before immediately rising on his knees and slamming her on the ground.
And even before we could think they were fist fighting, kicking, pushing, punching.
"Make it stop!" Vein said, Nate just stare at them, and mumbled "I think I saw her somehwere"
I fire in air "Stop before I kill you both" and they stop, heaving like dogs.
We stand in a circle, after lots of argument we came to an end where we must wait for dinner and will spend the night in our family cottage nearby, I have brought keys with me and everyone agreed. Vein slide into my passenger seat "what about your car?" He shrugged his shoulders "Whatever", Vein stare out "after ages I felt such an adrenaline rush".
"I never thought I could see Ken's fighting like this ever!" He said still gaping out "Yeah me too".
"But weren't you afraid? What if somebody was dead" he shake his head "By the looks of it I guess both are excellent and hardly ever miss their targets instead I'm curious"
I nod. "Curious that how come a person like such exists, curious who she is and I think you know something".
"Yes! Next week she will be transferring to our school, arrested twice I think for illegal fighting, national level champion in various martial arts. About our age, mother is a surgeon and father is certified gemologist also a jewellery designer. And you won't believe me. She's Poison's lead" his head turned to me mouth open "What? You kidding me?" I nod "It was a girl all along?" He looked flabbergasted.
"Yes at first it put me in a shock too but that is true" Vein sighed so loud, it felt like his soul went out. "Aren't they secretly powerful than that stupid head Scorpions?" I shrug my shoulders.
Vein, Nate and Me faced each other.
"Where are they?" I asked in absence of Dawn and Ken.