Tale
Of
The Curse
-The Pack-
Kathleen Anne Ferstle LeBlanc
Prologue
In a somewhat average scene, there is a hidden world full of danger and adventure. It is a world with night walkers, formidable hunters, and much more. It all begins in London, England. An ancient curse passed down throughout the generations, adventures, and the beginning of a new romance; and the mysterious transformation that changes the lives of a generation and the bonds that binds a group of friends together.
“Come on! Hurry it up already.” A young boy exclaimed as he waited for me to maneuver out of the doorway.
I; the eldest brother, maneuvered my crutches out the door before swinging my body outside to allow Darrel; my little brother, to pass by. ”Seriously, you need to chill out a bit and just let me take my time, Darrel.”
“Whatever.” Darrel retorted as he walked off, ignoring me completely.
As I walked out to the family van, my mother; Brenda, walked out of the house behind me while carrying a box. “Be careful, sweetheart.” She reminded me.
“He’s fine, Brenda. You don’t have to worry about him all the time.” My father; Aldrich, had chimed in from the back of the car.
“I know, but I’m his mother and I’m allowed to worry about him and remind him to be careful sometimes.”
“You’re talking about sometimes, but you worry and remind him all the time. You’re like a broken record most days.” He chuckled lightly at her.
“In my opinion, I think it’s good that she worries. It means she loves us when she worries about the family.” Maitane; my little sister, had commented as she walked out reading a book.
A short while later, after getting everything packed in the van; we headed out to the airport. Darrel kept pushing my buttons; literally pushing the buttons on my shirt. I told Brenda and Aldrich, but they didn’t seem to notice anything going on. At least, that’s what they wanted us to think. Our plane was scheduled to take off in approximately two hours. We were moving from London to Miami, Florida in the United States of America. We were running on time and the traffic was moving quickly. We made it there with plenty of time to look around in the shops. They had a few different shops in the airport. Most of them had candies, magazines, and headphones. There was one shop I went in that had a café and a few other items that the other shops did not have. There were snack foods and CDs of all sorts, I-pods and music down-loaders available. The items were reasonably priced and it was only a few bucks more to use the down-loader. I decided it would be a good idea to get the I-pod and the down-loader deal for the plane ride. An hour or so later, the call for our gate to begin boarding ran through the airport. We all made our way to the gate. The line was moving quickly and we were the second group checked in. We were informed our bags were already loaded on the plane. Our tickets were checked and we were led to our first class seats. We didn’t have any luggage to carry on, except for the small bags of items bought in the shops.
Once we were settled in and everyone was the plane, the flight attendants read the rules and safety precautions out to everybody. They demonstrated the proper ways to use the emergency equipment. The flight attendants walked around making sure no one was unbuckled. There was a little girl in the back of plane who was not buckled, but they buckled her up and got her settled down. Everything was set, so they went to their seats and buckled up as well. The plane engines roared to life as the plane pulled to the runway. We sat there for at least twenty minutes waiting in line. I watched the other planes before us take off into the early morning sky. The sun was rising into the sky. The sunrise was gorgeous. I watched as our plane took its position and prepared to take off. My heart beat faster as I became excited. The force of the plane as it took off was powerful. I had never been on a plane before. It got up to speed just in time to clear the end of the runway. I watched out of the window for a good long while. I watched as we flew over the open ocean below until I fell asleep.
When I woke up we were in Miami and had just landed. I was ready to be off the plane and get to the new house. Aldrich had already made a previous trip to the new house a few weeks ago to make sure all of the boxes of our belongings were put in its proper place. By him doing so, all there was left to do was make sure we got there. After a twelve hour flight, I still felt like finding my bed and passing out on it for at least another hour. With school beginning tomorrow, I would need all the rest I could get. I wasn’t sure what to think about going to a new school yet, all I knew was I was just ready to get it all over with.
As soon as we got to the new house, I was helped in and shown to my room. As soon as I lay on my bed, I fell asleep. I was dreaming about London and the different things there was to do there. I dreamed about hanging out with my old friends. They were friends that I thought I would never see again.
In what seemed like in a blink of an eye, two years of my life had passed by. My name if Floyd and this is my story.
Chapter One:
Eighteenth Birthday!
Beep! Beep! Beep! The alarm’s piercing shrieks filled my room. I; startled out of a deep slumber, rolled towards the edge of my bed. Turning off the alarm, I stretched my stiff limbs and gazed around my room with tiresome eyes. The fresh scent of the ocean breeze and palm trees snuck into my room through an open window.
“Not again.” I stifled a yawn while getting off my bed. But just as I stood, the door flung open and Darrel barraged in! He took two leaps into my room and sprung to the air flying towards me. I froze for only a moment, but it was just enough time for him to tackle me to the floor beside my bed.
“Get up, bro! Don’t want to be late for school, do you?” Darrel chuckled at my frustration of his intrusion.
“Oh no, my dear brother, I would never possibly be late to witness your humiliation of you asking your best friend out.” I retorted sharply. “Shall I bring my video camera too?”
“I’ll tell mother if you do!”
“Tell her! It’s not like she’s going to do anything about it. I’ll even give her the video for the collection she has of you since you were little. I’m sure she will be more than glad to take it.”
“Is that a threat?”
“Of course it’s not.” I smiled maliciously at him. “It’s a promise.”
An expression of worry crossed Darrel’s face and I found myself unable to quit my cruel, theatrical, quarrel with him. It amused me. It made me feel dominant over him. That’s when I decided I wouldn’t put up with his bullying anymore. It was time to take control of my life for a change, not let others decide what’s best for me. Unless, of course, it’s Brenda or Aldrich. I definitely do not want to anger them. Those two were a force not to mess with. They were highly respected back in London and are still highly respected here in Florida.
I got off the floor from where I had been tackled in just enough time to see Darrel run out of my room. I heard his heavy feet the whole way down stairs to the kitchen. I chuckled to myself as I walked over to the open window. The breeze felt nice and warm., comforting and calming. I shut the window and got a shirt out of the closet. It was gray with black stripes. Well, at least Connor will appreciate my taste in clothing, I thought to myself as I finished dressing for school. Grabbing my bag and tossing it over my shoulder, I walked out of my room and headed for the kitchen. My phone went off in my pocket playing American Idiot in all of its glory, letting me know I had a text message. It took my phone out of my pocket and flipped it open. It was from Liam.
~Meet out front on the steps~ he had texted.
In reply I said, ~okay. I’ll tell Connor. Wonder what color his hair is today? ~
~There is really no telling with him. Do you think his hair will match his outfit again? ~
~There’s only one way to find out~
~Yeah. See you there~
I sent a text to Connor and told him Liam would be waiting on the steps at school for us. I grabbed a quick bite to eat. Nothing special just a single, unimportant slice of buttered toast. Brenda was in the kitchen making a nutritious meal for everyone. My sister, Maitane, was helping her out with the buttering of the toast and the frying of the bacon. Maitane tried to catch me before I left the house, but she was too late. I decided to take the bus to school for a change. Being seen riding with my mother was a bit insulting for my age. Eighteen finally and yet I feel no different. Was I even supposed to? I walked out to the end of the road and waited for the bus. It seemed like it took forever when in reality it only took five minutes, give or a take a few seconds.
When the bus got here, I was surprised to see that it was half full. The door opened and I walked up the three steep steps. As I made my way to the back of the bus, I scanned my surroundings and noticed there were only seventeen others on here. I took the seat in the back and stared out the window the whole ride. I could feel the stares of the other students on the bus drilling holes in me, just trying to figure out who I was. It was like they had never seen me before. Was I invisible to them those last two years? It was unsettling.
The bus pulled up to the school and everyone made their way off the bus in a hurry. I got up and made sure I was the last one off. I didn’t want to draw attention to myself. All I wanted to do was meet my friends at the location we had agreed on. I looked at the grounds as I made my way to the steps. Connor and Liam were there waiting like always and I was the last to meet up there. It’s funny how time passes and the more you examine the things people say have changed; they never actually changed at all.
We got to talking about the possibilities of the day’s events, until I noticed the most beautiful girl in the entire school, Coral. She was like something you would see in one of the playboy bunny posters. She has long dirty-blond hair, bright blue eyes as well as an angel’s body. Sure she was a stuck up little snob, but that doesn’t mean she’s not a perfect ten in the guys book. She would be the perfect girl for any guy out there. Plus she was popular. She walked past us as if she didn’t notice we existed. Liam and Connor were waving their hands in my face. I hardly noticed them.
I snapped out of it just in time for the tardy bell to ring. Connor, Liam, and I raced to get to class before Ms. Ross had noticed our tardiness. We flew through the door and to the back of the class. Good thing Ms. Ross was older and had hearing issues. Her back was to us as she began to write the topics of today’s discussions on the board. This was a private school and there were only a select few who qualified to be in it. My family and I were lucky to get in two years ago. Of course a lot of how we got in was based on how much we paid to get in. We had plenty of money to go around and last us a life time.
As Ms. Ross lectured us on all the topics, I found myself drifting into my own world. I never did pay attention in class. Her melodramatic, long winded lectures always seemed to put me to sleep. Paper in the wind was more exciting to watch than having to listen to her lectures. It was a miracle I was passing her class. I never studied, never paid attention, and never really cared in the first place! I already read all my class books, so there was really no point in paying attention in her class. I did my school work and turned it in too just so I would have something to do. American schools were a lot different than London schools.
I began dreaming about an abstract world when I was slightly startled out of my peaceful world of make-believe. Steven; the class jock, decided it would be fun to throw wads of paper at me while I was sleeping. His last name was Payne and man was he ever a pain. He was Coral’s boy toy at the time but she refers to him as her boyfriend. He’s been known to prank people all the time or just flat out bully them. In my first year attending this school, in America, he threw me in the dumpster out back. That was humiliating.
I heard Connor stick up for me as I started to stir. Ms. Ross was busy writing notes on the board to notice the quarrel fixing to start between me and my friends and Steven. Connor was sitting in an alert position with his odd teal colored hair spiked, matching his outfit yet again.
“You have got to be joking!” Steve snapped. “The only guy who’s going to stick up for him and call me out is Mr. Rainbow? What a joke! Next week you should try pink. It brings out the girl in you.” He laughed hysterically.
“Well at least I’m man enough to try and pull this look off! It looks better on me than your true color looks on you!” Connor snapped back.
By that time, the noise level had stirred me enough to wake from my slumber. I yawned and looked around to see what was going on. Connor and Steven were standing nose to nose glaring at each other profusely. I happened to glance right behind Connor and noticed Raven beginning to stand and make her way to them. My eyes widened with confusion as I watched the quarrel play out.
“All he does is sleep the whole time every class!” Steven continued his harassing.
“At least he’s still smart enough to pass this class unlike you, Steven” Raven butted into the conflict. “He has aced every test he’s taken and what do you have to show? You have nothing more than ‘D’s’?”
“He’s still passing, you little want-to-be!” Coral jumped in.
“I’d much rather be a ‘want-to-be’ than a stuck up, prep like you are!”
Ms. Ross turned around and noticed the quarrel. She slammed the book down hard on her desk causing the whole class to jump. Everyone returned to their desks and kept their mouths shut until she turned around to write more notes down on the board. As soon as she turned around again to write on the board the quarrel started back up. This time, Liam drug my attention away from the others.
“So, Floyd, what are you planning on doing after school for your birthday?” Liam asked me curiously. I could tell he was planning something, but I wasn’t too sure what it was.
“Not much. My parents are planning a party for me at six if you want to come.” I replied.
“Sounds fun, but seriously. Want to go to the park?”
“’Go to the park’? No.” I cackled.
“Not the park-park. Go to the Amusement park where they have rides and a pool!”
“That would be sweet, dude! That would be awesome. Sure.”
“Connor can come too. Heck, even your sis and her friend can come. I’m pretty sure your little bro is going to have his annoying friend over. I doubt they will want to stay there with those two stalking them.”
“You have a fairly strong point there. Yeah, we’ll invite them and leave the other two stranded at the house with the parents.”
We both agreed on that option. Neither of us got along with my little brother, or his friends. Those two were hell on wheels and nothing could stop them from ruining everything. The school bell rang and everyone who was once standing had quickly sat down. Ms. Ross turned around and gave us our homework that we had to turn in on Monday. She waited for the second bell to sound and when it did she dismissed us.
It was going on about three in the afternoon. Connor, Liam, and I walked out of the classroom and started down the hall quickly, hoping to make it out before my brother and his friend found us. We were about half way down the hall when I heard Raven calling me. We all stopped and turned around to face her. She ran up to us and handed me a card.
“It’s not much, but it is your birthday after all.” She smiled sweetly at me.
“We’re about to go to the amusement park, would you like to come?” I invited her and smiled back politely.
“No. I don’t think so. I’m not much of a rollercoaster girl.” She hesitated.
“Well, if you’re not doing anything later; say around six, my folks are having a small party for me at the house. It’d be cool if you could come.”
“I can do that. I’m not real big into huge crowds, but a small one I can handle.” She giggled shyly.
“So, I’ll see you there then?”
“You sure will. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“Thanks again for the gift. See you later on!” I waved to her as we headed in different directions.
“That was sweet of her.” Connor smiled brightly at me.
I blushed slightly then said, “Well she is a really good friend, you know.”
“How good of friends are you two?” Liam grinned at me causing me to blush ever so slightly.
“We’re just really good friends.” I reassured them cautiously.
“You have a crush on her, don’t you?” Connor made his comeback.
“I have no idea what you are both talking about.” I chuckled and kept on toward the doors.
“But you’re blushing so it must mean something.” Liam stated as he and Connor quickened their pace to keep up with me.
“It’s just because the questions being asked out in public are embarrassing me.” I mumbled to them as we exited the school in time to miss Darrel.
“Yeah, we’ve heard it all before. It’s the same old, same old. But look on the bright side of things, you don’t have to deal with your little bro right this second.” Connor stated as he threw his arms up and put his hands behind his head while walking beside me.
I couldn’t help but notice that he did have a good point about not having to deal with Darrel at the moment, but it meant that it would be hard to get away from him once we got to the house. Darrel was an interesting selection for God to give my parents. They thought he was a perfect angel when, in fact, he was just the opposite. He always had messy, dark brown hair and envy-filled, green eyes. He was playfully childish and very annoying. He was the spoiled, rule-breaker of the family who loved to prank people. He was Steven’s partner in crime.
Maitane, on the other hand, was a sweet girl. She has flowing, blond hair and big, golden eyes that glimmer like stars. She’s kind hearted and always has a smile on her face. My sister is my hero. But she does hate it when Darrel and I get into fights. Only thing I really despise is that Merlin; Darrel’s friend has a huge crush on her. It’s creepy how he comes over to stalk her. He’s been coming around to stalk her for two years. Funny how the things that need to change actually become worse as time passes.
As we walked up to the Calhoun Residence, we noticed Maitane and her friend Hailey waiting for us on the front porch. Naturally curious, we walked up to confront them. The way they were looking at us three with gleaming eyes and grins from ear to ear made me feel like I was caught red-handed sneaking into the girls’ locker-room. I could hear Darrel and Merlin stampeding toward the door from upstairs as I hesitated to ask the girls what they were so ecstatic about. I smiled nervously and asked,
“What is with the squiggles and giggles, girls?”
“You are going to be so surprised when you find out.” Hailey couldn’t help but blurt out for the world to know.
“Shh!” Maitane reminded Hailey. “Let’s just say we know something you don’t know, but mother won’t even let us give you a hint.” She told me with a huge grin.
“Well, mother does have a point in telling you that. If you told me what it was or even hinted to it then it wouldn’t be a surprise anymore.”
“But it would be nice to know anyway.” Both Connor and Liam stated in unison.
I turned to them and nodded in agreement. The front door opened up to reveal the demented duo, Darrel and Merlin. The two young guys walked out with smug expressions. I couldn’t help but to glare at them. The air surrounding us became thick with tension. Merlin was wearing his dorky little hat and shades again like he always does.
“Sup, boys?” Merlin said with his retarded squeak of a voice as he tried to act big and bad like a gangster.
“Nothing that a small fry like you would need to know.” Connor retorted.
“You better call off your boy, if you know what mean.” Darrel bluffed.
“You know your bluffing doesn’t work on me.” I reminded.
“I never said it did. Just call off your gay friends and get out of our way.” Darrel told me.
“Yeah, call off your gay friends and get out of our way.” Merlin copied.
“Okay. First let me point out something. My friends are not gay like you two are. As a matter of fact, we were just about to leave after asking the girls if they wanted to go to the park with us so you two can have all the gay fun you want to. And second, we don’t have to get out of your way because you can just go around.” I stated to them while glaring sharply into their souls.
Merlin looked worriedly at Darrel as Darrel’s face became red with anger. Merlin backed away slightly as Darrel balled his hands into fists and said, “If you won’t move then I’ll make you move.”
“So what do you say, girls? Want to go to the amusement park with us?” I asked them, ignoring Darrel as much as I could.
The girls smiled brightly and nodded. “Yes!” they said.
“Then get your things ready to go. Get a towel too. There’s an awesome water slide and a huge pool there. Heck, I might even get in!” I laughed as I watched them run inside to get ready as I saw Darrel take a few steps towards me.
He pulled his fist back like a sling shot band and flung his fist at my face as hard as he could. I saw it coming so I blocked it using my palm and clenched his fist tightly. His eyes widened with disbelief that I could block his “oh so powerful” blow with just one hand. With his free hand he tried it again, but he didn’t learn from the first time. I blocked his fist from making contacting again and clenched it tightly with my other hand. Darrel had a look on his face of not knowing what to do at a critical moment such as this as I twisted one arm over the other and slung him hard to the ground.
It wasn’t long until Brenda came walking outside to break up the fight. She cleared her throat loudly and crossed her arms over her chest. She wasn’t too happy with us, but gave me a warning instead of a punishment this time since it was my birthday. I guess you could say I got the benefit of the doubt. Darrel, however, got grounded for a week this time instead of getting let off the hook. I was shocked, but happy at the same time.
“When will you two learn to get along?” Brenda asked as she sighed heavily.
“As soon as Darrel learns to leave me alone and not pester me about stupid stuff; or barge into my room and jump on me in the mornings.” I commented with an annoyed tone.
“It’s called brotherly love, Floyd. Something you need to learn more about. It’s a good thing he feels like doing those things. It just means he loves you.” She stated.
“Well, I’d like it if he showed me a little less love from now on. He’s annoying and childish. All he does is try to fight me and I’m tired of fighting a fight that I know for sure I can win. It’s not challenging at all. It’s irritating and boring.”
“At least try to get along with him for now.” She asked me with concern in her voice. “Why don’t you all come in? I know you want to go hang out for a bit, but Floyd has to get his things anyway. We have plenty of snacks if you would like some.” She offered everyone.
“No thank you, Ms. Calhoun. But thank you for the offer.” Liam said politely and Connor agreed.
“We’ll take some snacks!” Darrel and Merlin shouted excitedly in unison.
We all headed inside for the moment. I headed up to my room to get my swim trunks and a towel. Liam and Connor followed me up there. I shut my door and locked it so the two annoying brats couldn’t barge in. I pulled my black and lime checkered swim trunks out of the closet and grabbed my black beach towel to carry with me. I turned my back to the guys and changed into my trunks then grabbed a black tank to throw on to go with it. Turning to the guys I tossed them each a beach towel and a pair of swimming trunks for them to put on so we wouldn’t have to stop by their places and waste time. Connor got the bright teal and black stripped pair with a blue towel while Liam got a crimson and black plaid pair with a crimson towel. They didn’t complain as they changed into the trunks I handed them to borrow. Then I pulled out two more black tanks and handed them each one. They put them on quickly as I heard a knock on my door.
“Who is it?” I asked curiously.
“It’s me.” Hailey stated. “Your mother wants you down in the family room. She says it’s urgent.”
“Tell her I’ll be right down. I’m just getting the rest of my stuff together”
“Okay, but hurry”
“I am.”
I hurried to get the rest of the stuff, but couldn’t find my wallet. We headed down to the family room and sat down on the leather couches. I looked around and waited for someone to say something. No one said a thing until I began to get up. I heard Brenda clear her throat and get up. She walked over to me with a grin on her face and I sat back down again. She handed me a card. I opened it and a key fell on my lap. Liam picked the key up and handed it to me. I read the card aloud.
“Happy Eighteenth Birthday, Floyd! I know how much you wanted it so we got it for you. Lots of love from Mom and Dad.” I held up the key and asked, “What’s this?”
“It’s for your gift, son.” Aldrich stated as he came down from his study. He pulled out a pen and his check book from his pocket and began scratching down a few things on a new check. “How much do you think you’ll need for your little trip to the park?”
“I don’t know, maybe a couple hundred? We were talking about eating on our way there and I don’t want to take them to a cheap place for my birthday.” I stated cautiously.
“Go check the garage!” Maitane commanded. “You have a key so there has to be something the key goes to, right? So, go check the garage!”
“Alright, I’m going now.” I got up and walked to the garage door. I opened it and there it was! A black Mercedes SLS AMG! My dream car! I jumped up and down hysterically and ran over to it. I opened the door and immediately got in. I sank into the leather seat and wrapped my fingers tightly around the steering wheel. I took the key and started the car up. The rumbling of the engine hummed in the garage. Sitting in the car fueled me and made me want to drive out of there right now. Liam and Connor were circling it like vultures do their prey. They wanted it bad. I could tell. But they couldn’t have it. I turned the key and got out. Shut the door and hugged Brenda and shook Aldrich’s hand firmly.
“Thank you both!” I exclaimed as Aldrich handed me the check he wrote out for six hundred dollars.
“Whatever you don’t use you can always use it for lunch during school or snacks on your break if you don’t sleep through it again. We’ll talk about the payments on your car as well as the insurance. You should also look into a job. The car won’t pay for itself, you know.” Aldrich commented.
“Thank you, sir.” I bowed my head slightly in acknowledgement then turned to the guys, then to the girls. “Is everyone ready?” I asked.
“As ready as we’ll ever be!” Connor stated as he got in the car. “I call shot gun!” he shouted as he got in the front passenger seat.
“Guess that leaves me in the back with girls unless you’re willing to let me drive.” Liam grinned widely.
“Not a chance!” I retorted and chuckled. “But you can be in front on our way back, if you want.”
“Nice!” Liam got in the back behind the driver seat.
“Thank you for inviting us to tag along!” Hailey said with gratitude as she and Maitane got in the back.
Once everyone who was going got in, I started the engine and opened the metal door to the garage. I slowly pulled out then stopped in the driveway to make a few adjustments to the seat and mirrors. As soon as I got everything adjusted where I needed them, I pulled onto the road and headed to the bank to cash the check.
“So, where does everyone want to go to eat?” I asked while I looked through an assortment of CDs on the visor over my head.
“How about we go to Longhorn?” Hailey said.
“Why go there when you can go to a better place like Outback?” Liam stated.
“I’m on Liam’s side with that choice in the air.” Connor cackled lightly.
“There’s always Kio!” Maitane exclaimed excitedly. “They have really good spring rolls and squid salad.” She giggled softly as everyone voiced their opinion on that with “Eww!”
“Outback does sound good though. We can all get a steak. I think the ribs are the best.” I stated. “Does everyone agree on Outback?”
“Sure do!” Hailey giggled.
“No complaints here, boss.” Connor joked.
“I can’t say I can complain either.” Liam laughed.
“I would have rather had sushi, but steak is good too.” Maitane smiled playfully.
I pulled up to the bank and pulled around to their drive thru, pressed the button, and waited for the man or woman on the other side. I signed the back of the check. There was a woman on the other side of the class. She took a seat and pressed a few buttons. The canister came down the shoot and the door opened on it.
“How may I help you today, sir?” the woman asked as I put the check and my ID in the canister, shut the door, and pressed then button to send it back.
“I need to cash a check.” I stated to her as she received the canister.
She opened it and said, “To confirm who you are, can you please tell me your name?”
“I am Floyd Maurice Calhoun.”
“Just one moment please, Mr. Calhoun.”
“Thank you.” I watched her turn to a gentleman and hand him the check. He walked away periodically.
“I’ve never heard your full name before.” Connor stated. “Is there a meaning behind it?”
“There is.”
“Can you tell us?” Liam questioned.
“Not right now.”
“Why can’t you tell us?” Connor pouted.
I didn’t say anything so Maitane explained for me. “It has a mixed meaning to it and he’s ashamed of the meaning.”
“What could it possibly mean for him to be ashamed of it?” Liam looked over at her with concern.
“He’ll tell you when he’s ready.” Maitane smiled sweetly.
The man came back to the woman as if he was trying to confirm several things. Then I saw him bring her the money. She put a couple paper clips on the bills to hold them together. That way when the littler door opened on the canister then money wouldn’t fly away on the winds. She put the money in the canister and sent it back. I received it and pulled my money and ID out. While counting the money the woman came back on the speaker and said,
“I’m sorry for the wait. Have a good day, sir.”
“Not a problem. Thank you.”
Since the money was all there, I put it in the dash and drove off toward Outback. Arriving at Outback, we circled the parking lot several times looking for a spot. It was Friday so the place was packed. The line was out along the sidewalk. We decided to skip eating out since Aldrich was probably going to grill at the evening party. We pulled out of the parking lot and got back on the main road again. I turned the radio on and searched for a station. Not able to find a station I liked, I put in a Disturbed CD and cranked the volume up. We jammed out to it as we made our way to the amusement park.
We got there after an hour of driving and found that it wasn’t as packed as we thought it would be. There was only about a handful of vehicles in the parking lot and I found a front row spot to park. I put the car in park and took the key out of the ignition. Making sure everyone had their things that were packed to bring; we got out of the car and headed to the admissions booth. There was a man in the booth waiting on people and a couple with their kids in front of us. Once they were through I handed the man sixty dollars for the five of us and he handed me ten back as well as the wrist bands. I handed everyone a wrist band and we all put them on while walking through the gates.
“Who’s up for the water slide first?” I asked as I jumped up and down waiting for someone to speak.
“I am!” Connor stated.
“Let’s have a race there, then. First one there to the top and down wins and the last one there and to the bottom has to-”
“-has to get Floyd’s cake smashed in their face and a blackmail photo taken of them and posted all over Facebook!” Liam interrupted.
“You’re on!” we all laughed and took off sprinting toward the ladder leading to the top of the slide.
The race to the top was epic! First Liam was in second and Hailey was in third but just as they started their climb Connor was in second and Liam was in third. Hailey fell to last place quickly and Maitane was keeping strong in third. I never once left first place. I kept going strong with a good lead in first but Connor was catching up quickly. I hurried down the slide, pushing myself off to give me an extra boost on my decent. Connor just reached the slide as I got to the bottom. Hailey and Maitane quickly made their way past Liam and to the slide. Connor shot down the slide just seconds before Maitane did. Hailey and Liam were tied. They pushed off the top at the same time and began their decent. We all cheered them on and waited to see who would be the first one down. Liam had the advantage of being taller than Hailey but Hailey weighed less than Liam and glided down on top of the water. At the very bottom I was ready with my camera to take a photo finish. I snapped the photo in just enough time to capture the fourth place winner. Hailey was the winner! Which meant only one thing, Liam would have to deal with getting cake smeared all over him and a photo taken and posted all over Facebook that same night. The race was awesome and even though Liam had height on his side, Hailey has the luck of less friction and a slightly faster ride down. It was a fair match but there was plenty of time for a rematch.
We chilled out by the side of the water for a few. Drank a couple sodas and chatted about the school year so far. I have to admit, it is nice getting to spend time with friends like this. We talked about what we would do next school year and wondered if Steven would still be in our class or if he would be a junior forever. We all laughed about that thought. The sun was beginning to fall and the breeze became cooler. I decided I would start packing things up. Liam and Connor helped while we let the girls relax and keep chatting. I took everything to the car and put it all in the trunk. I waited there for everyone to get in. I got in and started it, the radio made me jump because of the volume still being set to max. I pulled the car up to the gates and they all got in. Liam sat up front this time. The ride home seemed much longer that the ride there. I put in my Good Charlotte CD and we rocked out the whole way back to the house.
When I pulled into the garage and we all headed inside, we didn’t see anyone in the house. The girls headed to Maitane’s room to change and put their things away, while we guys went to my room to change and put our things away. After we were back into our clothes we wore earlier that day, we all headed down to the backyard. Music was playing, but not too loud. It was Evanescence. We walked out back and saw a huge bonfire going. Raven was already there. She was talking to Brenda. I walked up to her and welcomed her to my party.
“Did you open the gift I gave you?” she asked curiously.
“I was waiting for you to come to the party so I could open it in front of you.” I pulled it out of my pocket and opened it in front of her.
“Well?” she asked. “What do you think of it?”
I pulled out the kind of necklace a surfer would wear. “I like it. Nice job with the black and lime color pick of it too.” I put it on and I must admit; it was quite manly for a necklace. “That’s wicked! Thank you!”
She smiled. “Not a problem.” She told me then walked over to the bonfire.
I walked up to Connor and Liam to show them what the gift was that Raven had given to me. Connor thought it was the coolest thing ever and tried to bargain his way into getting it from me. I refused all his offers. But he was stubborn and wouldn’t give up. So I told him to ask Raven where she got it from and I would get him one as well so he wouldn’t feel left out. He accepted my offer and went to talk to Raven. Liam stuck around to chat with me for a bit.
“Do you like your day so far?” He asked me curiously.
“Well yeah! I got to spend the day with my friends. I got an awesome car. Everyone is having a great time. We have fire!” I chuckled as I motioned to the bonfire. “This is the best birthday ever!”
“Right on! We so have to do this again.” He took a chug of his Pepsi before continuing. “Can I have my birthday over here?”
“I don’t see why not. Your birthday is when again? November twelfth?”
“That’s it. Not too much farther away from yours.”
“We’ll have to have a party over here for you.” I stated.
“Yeah, we will! But for now let’s just get Liam his prize for losing the race.” I cackled.
We gathered everybody around Liam as Brenda walked out with the cake. We sang “Happy Birthday” to me then cut the cake. It was a huge cake because Brenda never knew how not to make too much of one thing for a small crowd. I took the first slice and winked at Raven who immediately took out her camera. She hurriedly powered it on and took aim, waiting for the perfect moment. I took the cake in my hands. As soon as Liam turned away, I casually walked up behind him. Out of nowhere all he saw were two hands full of cake plummeting toward his face. He took a step back to try and avoid it, but I was right there blocking his escape route. The cake made impact. It was like an explosion of cake all over his face and neck. Connor took a scoop of ice cream for extra measures and mixed in with the cake on Liam’s face. I released Liam and he stumbled forward. By that time, Raven had gotten quite a few good action shots of the torture. Liam found the water hose and rinsed his face and neck off, but still had some in his hair. We showed everybody at my party the pictures.
“Ice cream too? Are you serious, guys?” Liam chuckled in embarrassment.
“It was for good luck and extra embarrassment!” Connor stated laughing so hard he could hardly breathe.
“What about the pictures? I thought you said only one was going to be taken!” Liam dried his eyes from the tears coming caused from laughing too hard.
“I couldn’t help myself. I had to get a few good ones.” Raven erupted with laughter.
“You have to admit, it was pretty funny to witness you getting attacked by killer birthday cake and ice cream.” I commented with a grin.
“You have a point there.” Connor stated. “It will supply me with jokes for the rest of the school year.”
We all laughed and had some cake and ice cream while we hung out for a while longer. We joked about Liam’s prize over and over again. We cut up about it every time. The bonfire died down to a mere simmer as time seemed to fly by. This turned out to be the best birthday ever recorded in the history of mankind. There were pranks and friends to celebrate with. Everybody enjoyed themselves, some more than others. But it all seemed to end almost too quickly.
It was getting later and the sun was going down. Brenda and Aldrich gazed into the darkening sky. The moon was coming up. It was full. The breeze picked up a bit and they decided the party was over. They sent Darrel and Maitane to bed and thought it was best if Hailey didn’t stay over that weekend. I thanked everyone for coming to celebrate with me and thanked them all again as they left to go home. Liam and Connor told me they would text me in the morning to see what I was doing. I told them I’d let them know. The wind began to pick up slightly more as my guests left for home. I turned toward my parents.
“I guess I’ll be off to bed now. Thanks again for everything. Goodnight.” I had just turned to walk away when Aldrich placed his hand on my shoulder.
“You still don’t remember anything, do you?” he asked me as he gazed into my eyes, concerned.
“Remember what?” I questioned hesitantly.
“The stories we use to tell you about our family’s ancestors.” Brenda walked over to me and placed her palms on my jaw, cradling my face in her hands.
“What stories?” I looked frantically from Brenda to Aldrich. Their concern worried me.
“About what would happen the night of your eighteenth birthday, Floyd? Think, boy!” Aldrich shook me.
“I don’t have any clue as to what you are talking about!” I started to back away from them. “You’re both nuts. You keep talking about things that shouldn’t matter. You question me about things I don’t know.”
“Hon, we’re just trying to look out for you and keep you safe.” Brenda moved closer to try and calm me.
Aldrich walked up to me and wrapped his arms around me, comforting me with an apologetic embrace. I accepted it. Brenda joined in then whispered softly to Aldrich. I tried to hear what was said but the hushed whispering between the two was not audible for my ears yet. They looked down at me then at each other. I looked up at them and my head was full of questions. They let me out o the embrace. I stood there for a moment before Aldrich grabbed my arm and led me outside. Brenda followed.
“There’s something you need to know about what you have forgotten. Something was passed on from ancient times to us throughout generations.” Aldrich explained.
“What do you mean? Like family history?” I questioned.
“Kind of like that, yeah. More like the reason why we are so hard on you and one of the reasons why your name has a double meaning within it.”
“Is it something that can wait until tomorrow?”
“No. it can only wait a few more minutes. That’s why I am trying to tell out about it now.”
“You make it sound like something terrible is going to happen.”
“You have no idea. You won’t be able to go to school for a week. You will have to be constantly watched. You cannot go outside by yourself or around humans until we get this under control.”
“Why say ‘humans’ when we are humans?”
“We are not humans, Floyd. That’s what we need you to remember.”
“Remember what?”
“Remember ’the truth behind truths’. The reasons why we act the way we do.”
“But-” I was unable to finish the rest of my sentence.
The wind picked up out of nowhere as the sun sank into its temporary slumber while the full moon rose into the cloudy sky. I couldn’t help but to find myself gazing at the moon. My heart raced. The longer I stared, the faster my heart beat. Aldrich and Brenda walked up beside me and grabbed my arms tightly. I was unaware of my surroundings as my body tensed up and became numb. My eyes glowed in the reflection of the moon. Then, I was stricken with a sharp pain. I lost my focus on the moon as my knees buckled under my weight. Aldrich picked me up in his arms and headed for the cellar. A place where I thought we once kept extras of a variety of objects now would become my prison.
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