Chapter Three
The morning sunlight streaked in from the window, casting a shadow on Alex's face. Slowly, he stirred from his sleep.
Alex gently opened his eyes. He was in his room, but how come? He remembered Adam, the blood, the alleyway. How could he be in his room right now? But the familiar anime posters, the sketchbook on his desk—everything indicated that this was indeed his room.
Alex quickly rushed downstairs, and a strange sight greeted him. His mom and Bob were being all lovey-dovey on the couch.
"Oh, Alex, good morning," his mom said in a sing-song voice. He could tell she was happy.
"You're up early, big man," Bob said. For various reasons, Alex didn't like Bob, but he made his mother happy, so he overlooked him.
"Aren't you supposed to be back this evening?" Alex asked, confusion evident in his voice.
"Alex, are you confused? Bob came home yesterday. We all had dinner together and everything," his mom replied.
Alex could feel his head spinning. "No, I remember not coming home yesterday. There was Adam, the blood, and..."
Alex's mom walked up to him, holding his shoulders. "Sweetie, are you sure you're okay?"
Alex shook his head as tears began to pool in his eyes. His mom gave him a comforting hug. "You probably just had a bad dream. Everything's going to be okay."
Alex breathed in his mom's scent; it calmed him. "I guess it was just a bad dream." It must have been. He had been having nightmares lately, but this dream was so vivid he had begun to doubt himself.
"Why don't you go up to your room and rest? It's Saturday; you can sleep in for as long as you like," Bob said, giving him a sympathetic look.
For once, he agreed with Bob. He should rest; his mind was playing tricks on him.
Alex kissed his mom on the cheek and headed upstairs.
Mrs. Basset couldn't help but worry about her son. "Honey, come on back to the couch," Bob said in a whiny tone.
"I can't help but worry about him," she replied.
"He's going to be okay. He just needs some sleep. Can't you just focus your attention on me?"
Alex rolled his eyes and shut his room door. He didn't want to hear Bob make that voice ever again. It gave him the creeps. Just thinking about it sent a shiver down his spine.
But Bob was the least of his problems. What happened in the dream felt so vivid. His emotions and that brief moment where power had consumed him felt all too real. But if it was real, how was he in bed at home? How did his mom and Bob have memories of them eating dinner together? He couldn't quite fit together the puzzle pieces.
Taking in a deep breath, he decided to take a shower to clear his head.
What would be your reaction if you looked in the mirror and it was not just your reflection staring back at you? The appropriate reaction would be to scream, and that was what Alex did.
"Ahhhhhhh!" He fell butt-flat on the bathroom floor.
"In the name of Woyengi, please shut up."
Standing before him was a girl with dark chocolate skin, so rich it seemed to absorb the light. A striking white afro crowned her head, its curls like snowy clouds against her skin. Her eyes were a mesmerizing white, devoid of pupils, making her gaze seem otherworldly. Intricate white markings adorned her body, swirling patterns that seemed to pulse with a life of their own. She wore a dress crafted from a material Alex had never seen before, ethereal and shimmering, and coral beads that clinked softly around her wrists and ankles.
"W-who are you? How did you get in here?" Even Alex could hear the fear in his voice.
"Finally, you're asking questions," the girl said with a mischievous smile, her lips curving up in a way that was both enchanting and unnerving. "Although it took you so long to notice my presence."
"Notice your presence? Have you been here the whole time?" Alex's voice wavered.
The girl nodded, her smile widening. "Yes, I have. I've been waiting for you to see me."
"Why? What do you want from me?" Alex asked, trying to steady his voice.
"You're special, Alex. You have a power within you that you haven't even begun to understand," she replied, her tone now serious. "And I am here to help you unlock it."
"Power? What power?" Alex's mind raced with confusion. He moved slowly towards the door; he had to make a run for it. He didn't know how this crazy girl had gotten into their home.
The girl stepped closer, her white eyes piercing into his. "I wouldn't try that if I were you. Your parents can't help you; you're the only one who can see me." There was a mysterious grin on her face that unnerved Alex.
"I have to be going crazy. This is probably just another dream," Alex mumbled to himself, shaking his head.
"It's not a dream," she said softly. "It's reality. And you need to stop crediting all my hard work to your dreams."
Alex's heart pounded in his chest.
"Hard work? What do you mean?"
"Don't tell me you thought yesterday's mess was a dream?" She looked at him incredulously.
Alex knew it was all too vivid to have just been a dream. But who was this girl standing before him, and how was she related to what had happened yesterday? He had so many questions.
Looking up at her, he realized he was no longer afraid. The initial fear had worn off. Strangely, he felt a sense of closeness.
"Did I really kill someone?" His words were barely above a whisper.
"Yes, you did, and you might end up killing more people in time if you don't learn how to control your powers."
"And how do you know all this?"
Like she was waiting for this moment, she quickly stood up and introduced herself.
"My name is Ibimo, and I am your guardian spirit. I am here to guide you and protect you," she said with a bow.
Alex took a deep breath. There was no other explanation than he must have lost his goddamn mind.