Six Long Years Later
Only two more excrutiating weeks and this year from hell will be over. Mentally scarred and physically exhausted I am looking forward to summer break with more relief than excitement. I have never minded the scholastic portion of my day, I still approach learning new subjects as a challenge that I must conquer. The day to day social aspects have worn my already fragile confidence into shreds, similar to the wrapping paper on the biggest box at Christmas. In just over three hundred hours I will have three months of much antisipated freedom from the torment that came packaged in the sturdy form of Dalya.
For six long years that heifer has been my downfall. I can scarcely remember happy times in my life at all. I have vague memories of laughter and cheer before Dalya came crashing into my life. Thank the goddesses she finally quit gymnastics. It still is the only place that I can
The one bright spot in my life was still gymnastics. I loved everything about it, from the sore muscles to the blistered hands, nothing could compare to the joy I felt doing what others feared. Back flipping on a beam, no problem.....just don't ask me to talk about it in front of the class. Most days, our workouts were silent as Coach asked us to focus more, talk less. This was a bonus in my book. Other than the stereo that always blasted, his voice was all there was to hear. The girls on my team had been together for so many years now, they were more like sisters to me. We shared clothes, make-up, and music. I had more leotards than I did school clothes, but I shared what I could. At the gym, I actually fit it. Even the years that Dalya had joined the team didn't lessen my joy. She was in a lower level than I was, and we worked out with different groups. She had tried to turn Coach against me, but it had backfired on
The school year finally ended and it was all I could do not to cry. Nothing could be said that day to change my elation. I did a little hop skip combination as I neared my house. I was free of these stupid humans for three months. No more looking over my shoulder fearing the next attack from Dalya's crew. No more waiting to see what she had in store for me next. When I burst through the front door I was still feeling like a prisoner on his first day out of jail. I found Darrius packing food into a box. In went bread, peanut butter, chips, and little cakes. Talk about carb overload! The cheery look on his face mirrored my emotions. Derrick came in with his fishing gear all packed and a ratty backpack dangling from his shoulder. Typically, if the twins are this happy it's because of some girl. These two had make it their mission this year to date every girl in our small beach town. "Where are you
We all huddled close to the fire and told the horror as we recalled it. The entire group had been brought back to Grandfather's estate and parents had beeen called. No one wanted to leave, we were all in some stage of shock. I felt so foolish for endangering my family and friends over some ice cream. The whole trip to town had been my idea. I never wanted to believe that someone or something would actualy harm me, or harm others trying to get to me. Now two of the local kids were dead and guards were fighting for their lives. Grandfather either read my mind or sensed my mood. He came and sat down with me, pulling me into him on the beige leather couch. He smelled of cologne and salt water, and I inhaled it anxious for comfort. It felt so good to held. I put my head on his shoulder and let the tears flow. I was trying so hard to be strong but with his arms around me I let down my guard and sobbed.
With no further attacks everyone began to relax a bit. Life went back to somewhat normal except for the training regimens. As a whole we were improving daily. Our problem was we were only good in the training yard with controlled circumstances. None of us had ever had a real fight. Plans were made for more practical experience. We formed two teams and met on the beach. Each team picked a color and we slipped on a scarf in that chosen color, that way there would be no mistake between enemy and friend. The game was as old as time, get the other teams flag and be pronounced the victor. Each team could strategize where to hide their flag. In this version though, there were no rules. Human form or feline form, magical powers and straight combat, all were on the table. We split our team into sections, offense and defense. I was sent to defend our flag. With my love of tree climbing I was a natural for flag
“On your left.” I heard Maggie say in my head. I couldn’t see her but I immediately turned right into the nearest classroom. “Thanks again.” I messaged back, glad the classroom door was unlocked. “Wait about two more minutes before you come out. I think they are looking for you. They are walking slowly.” She was speaking rapidly. My guess is she was late to class. I peeked from a corner of the little window in the door and I could see Dalya and her crew lazily making their way sown the hallway. Thank the goddesses for Maggie, my phone was on silent and I hadn't heard the alarm. Maggie, Dak, and her youngest brother Aran were my eyes and ears at the school now. We worked out an elaborate plan when we got back from Egypt two summers ago. Dak had managed t
"Your spells sound like a kindergartner on the first day of school," Dakari raged at me, "When you try to conjure a weapon you get a triple scoop of ice cream???" "I swear I am trying, my magic seems to have a few glitches," I look at him sheepishly, "I will keep trying." I don't mention that I had been just daydreaming about running out for a frozen treat later. "And Maggie," he says whirling on her. "What is the hell is that?" We all stand looking at the puddle of yellowish muck in the middle of the floor. "I was trying to conjure a bobcat to help me fight. I think I need to stick to smaller stuff." She sighs, it's all I can do not to bust out laughing. Dak rolls his eyes skyward and snorts, "Ya, like insects." I had to chuckle. He can be so cruel. Being the bratty little sister that she can be Maggie instantly conjures a small swarm of flies that go about attacking his eyes and ears. One look and they
Nationals this year was in Utah. To win here could lead to an international assignment. Every gymnast dreams of not only making the national team, but getting sent on assignment abroad. I was now old enough to vie for a spot on the senior squad. The juniors could only do dual meets, and meets between just two countries often took place within the United States. As a senior I could hope for the World Championships, or in three more years, the Olympics. I just had to stay healthy and focused. I had my nerves in check as my roommate and I got ready for our first day. Coach was already at the venue as our gym had a girl in the junior session earlier in the morning. Today was actually just a training session to let us all get used to the equipment. I was excited to see friends from other meets that I havent's see since last year. I was looking forward to showing off my new skills. Mom was with me as always,
Subtlety was not an issue for whatever was rampaging my way. It wanted me to know it was coming. Perhaps it got a thrill from the pungent odor of fear. I scented sulfur and ran away from it, towards the scent of water. Ahead I saw a small ravine, man-made near the highway, one of those built to keep it from overflowing in severe weather. I could use some severe weather right about now. I thought of the drawings I had done as a child. I have loved weather catasrophes for a long time. The thought of a violent storm had not been relevant for so long but maybe I could use those thoughts now to my advantage. I picture one of my favorite drawings of a tornado, the details becoming clearer as I lose myself to the memory. The murky clouds clashing together, causing thunderous booms and formidable lightning strikes. Wind so fierce the trees were bent in arcs or snapped at the base and tossed heavenward