Continuation...
JOHN BROWN
Hidden among the dense trees, I slowly change back into my human form. I clutch my shoes, treading carefully out of the forest and onto a quiet street, searching for a phone. The emptiness of the area is unnerving, but I keep moving, glancing around for a telephone office—anything.
Eventually, I spot a house that stands out, well-kept and peaceful amidst the surrounding gloom. I approach it and knock twice, hoping for a bit of luck. An elderly man answers, his face a mix of confusion and concern.
"What the hell? Where are your clothes?" he asks, eyes wide as he takes in my disheveled appearance.
"I know, it's strange. But, believe me, I survived a house fire. My clothes, everything I owned—gone. Even my parents... But somehow, I made it out."
He looks at me skeptically, "How?"
"I don't know, sir. It's just... God's grace, I guess."
He hesitates, then asks, "What do you need?"
"Could I borrow your phone, please? Mine was destroyed in the fire, and there's someone I really need to call."
The old man stares at me for a moment, then closes the door slightly. A few seconds later, he reappears, holding out a small phone. "Here. Make it quick."
"Thank you, sir," I say, taking the phone and stepping aside.
I dial Kevin's number, hoping he picks up. The line rings twice before he answers.
"Hello? Who's this?"
"It's John Brown. Are you still in school?"
"John? What are you still doing out there?"
"I finished helping at the church, but now I'm in some unknown place. I had to borrow a phone just to call you. Has school let out?"
"No, but we've covered a couple of topics already."
"Who's 'we'?"
"Our classmates. So, why are you calling?"
"I need you to buy me some clothes—a pair of trousers and a t-shirt."
"Okay, but why should I?"
"Because I had to fully transform. First, I tried to stay in my near-human form, but things got rough, so I went full werewolf."
"What? How?"
"Kevin, just do it. Please."
"Alright, but where can I find you?"
"I'll get the address from the old man here and text it to you."
"Good idea. I'll be waiting."
I hang up and head back to the door, knocking again. The old man opens up, his expression weary. "Are you done?"
"Almost, sir. Could you tell me where I am? What's the address here?"
"You're in Los Feliz. 4524 Ambrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027."
"Los Feliz? Never heard of it. Thanks."
I quickly call Kevin back. "It's Los Feliz."
"What?"
"I'm in Los Feliz. 4524 Ambrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027. Heard of it?"
"Yeah, I'll be there soon."
I return the phone to the old man, thanking him for his help. Not long after, Kevin pulls up in my Lexus 570. He steps out, handing me a new t-shirt, boxers, and jeans. The old man allows us inside, and I quickly change before we head back to school.
After classes, I drive us to my biological mother's house. She greets us with a warm smile, offering us soft drinks, fruits, and a meal. We drop our bags in my room and move to the dining area.
"So, how was school today, boys?" she asks as we settle down.
"Fine. It was fine," I reply, trying to keep things simple.
"Just fine? No stories about sports or music?"
Kevin chimes in, "I didn't do sports today. We performed on stage instead after the morning classes, and it was powerful."
"Yeah, it was," I agree. "Chains were broken, lives changed... It was intense."
"People were speaking in tongues, falling under the power... So much happened," Kevin adds.
My mom smiles, clearly impressed. "I can't wait to see you on TV... But John, these aren't the clothes you left in this morning. What happened?"
I hesitate, searching for the right words. "I... my clothes tore when I transformed."
"A werewolf? But we had an agreement: no going savage, no public displays. You remember, after that first incident?"
"I do. But I couldn't just stand by while innocent people were in danger. You told me I have a purpose, and I believe this is it."
She sighs, her concern evident. "I said that, but I was wrong. Remember what happened three years ago? The carnage? I don't want to lose you too."
"Mom, I can't just let these creatures wage war on humans. I'm not fighting for myself; I'm fighting for everyone."
She relents, though reluctantly. "If that's what you want, just be careful. Don't get yourself killed."
"I promise, I won't."
As we dig into our meal, Mom turns on the TV. A breaking news report catches our attention.
"Breaking news: Dozens of people were rescued from a church attack by an unidentified green creature. The attack took place in Los Angeles, during a service at the First Congregational Church. The creature, described as a green monster, intervened..."
Mom murmurs, "Unidentified creature?"
Kevin's eyes widen as he sees the footage. "Is that... is that you?"
"Is it the green one?" I ask.
"Yeah, the green one."
"Yep, that's me."
"No way... you look... cool," Kevin says, still in disbelief.
"What?"
"Yeah, I mean it!"
Before I can respond, Kevin points at the TV again. "Is that... Demon Coyote?"
"You know him?"
"I think so. Did he introduce himself?"
"Yes. He's the leader of the terrorists who attacked the church. His name is Kareem. Why?"
Kevin shakes his head. "Just curious..."
Mom, seemingly lost in thought, mutters, "They're here on Earth... How?"
"Mom, you okay?" I ask, pretending I didn't hear her earlier.
"Yeah, I'm fine."
"You sure?"
"Of course, don't worry."
We continue watching as the newscaster reports on another attack.
"...ALIENS are believed to be responsible for the recent incident, announcing the arrival of their king..."
Kevin frowns. "So these aliens want to enslave us? Why?"
"We don't know," I reply. "But they need to be stopped."
"Like, by heroes? Like you?" Mom asks, her voice tinged with worry.
"Exactly. But finding them... that's the challenge."
"Leave it to the military, John," she insists. "Don't risk your life."
"I won't let them destroy everything. I have to do something."
Before the argument can escalate, there's a knock on the door. We all freeze, exchanging tense glances.
"Are you expecting someone?" Kevin whispers.
"No. Are you?" I ask Mom, who shakes her head.
Kevin moves cautiously to the door, asking, "Who's there?"
"It's Juliet."
He quickly opens the door, his expression softening. "Why didn't you call?"
"I tried, but I couldn't get a signal," she explains, stepping inside.
"Do you mind if she joins us?" Kevin asks, turning to Mom.
"Not at all," she replies with a welcoming smile.
Juliet greets Mom politely before sitting in the living room. Kevin joins me at the table, and I shoot him a questioning look.
"What's she doing here?"
"No idea," he shrugs.
Mom, ever the inquisitive one, asks, "Who's she?"
"Kevin's girlfriend," I reply, not hiding my skepticism.
"Oh my God. You have a girlfriend? Does your father know?"
"Only my mom. She promised not to tell Dad."
"What's her name?"
"Juliet."
"You should talk to her," Mom suggests.
Kevin smiles. "She's cool, friendly, intelligent, and talented."
"Really?" I ask, raising an eyebrow. "The same girl who insulted me today?"
Kevin sighs. "I'm sorry about that, John. She was upset because I chose to go with you."
"That's not it. She's always been rude and arrogant."
"Let's just move past it, okay? Why don't we all hang out? Your mom's here, too."
"No, thanks. I've got studying to do." I get up and head upstairs, locking myself in my room.
I sit at my desk, trying to focus on my history textbook, but my eyes drift to a large blue book on my table. Curiosity gets the better of me, and I open it, finding it filled with photos of my adoptive parents. The memories flood back, both happy and painful.
A knock on the door interrupts my thoughts. "Who's there?"
"It's Kevin. Juliet and I want to talk to you."
"We?"
"Yes. Please, it's important."
I unlock the door and let them in. Juliet, visibly nervous, stammers out an apology. I accept it, shaking her hand, and even give her a quick hug to show there are no hard feelings. We sit down together, pulling out our history books, and for the first time, there's a sense of peace between us.