“Ok next time i'm paying for drinks, you sneaky gentlemen” Matt punches me on the shoulder. 

Grinning back at him. “Don't get used to it princess, it was only a nice bonus. I’m back to ramen in a few weeks.” waving goodbye as i start the half mile walk back to my apartment. Whoever thought engineers were on par with lawyers and doctors can kick rocks for telling me that as a kid. If that were the case I'd be living right above the bars in a slick new apartment, but I instead live in a studio the size of most living rooms.

Taking a deep breath trying to relax, steam is visible. That time of the year again, I hope I can snag a nice jacket for the fall. Maybe look the part of a young professional, twirling on the side walk with a jacket flick. Love it when the cool guy does that in a movie as he walks out of the tailor in a perfectly fitted suit with cufflinks. How an archaic method of holding your shirt together became high end is beyond me.

As much as this area is starting to gentrify it's not lost on me how quickly the streets change within a few blocks. The updates have unfortunately not hit my area but maybe I made a smart investment. Tucking my hand deep in my pockets I can't help but keep my head on a swivel. Maybe I should have taken a car, a sudden chill  hits me as my mind starts to wander. Do I look like an easy target? Quickening my pace, it's only a few more blocks. I can see the bus stop that's right around the corner. Inhale, relax, you do this all the time without any issues.

The night life buzzes in my ears, while diesel exhaust assaults my nose as the bus pulls up to the stop. Ducking my head to weasel around the stop. I see a sorry looking figure stumble off the bus. The poor man has the classic marks of the homeless, jacket looks so stiff that it might start cracking. You would think a beard would provide some solace with the impending weather but his is patchy and matted, nearly creating a donut around one ear. His eyes almost seem to glow with a dull yellow light, maybe from poor nutrition. Yet there is anger there.

“Fuck you fatass, i paid just like the rest of these bums” spittle flying from his mouth as he walks backwards off the bus. Tension builds in my neck as chills break across my back, striding it out as much as I can. If i can just make the corner, maybe he won't notice me. My mind races at the possibilities. What if he has a knife or a syringe? 

“Oh don't worry pretty boy, I know you don't have shit if you walking around here” he cackles as I turn the corner. I break into a run without thinking. Fear pumping me even though I heard what he said. I eat up the remaining block, jacket billowing behind me. I launch  up the steps, fumbling with my keys in panic till a sharp pain racks my face. I’m on my butt. How the hell did that old man beat me to my own place. Blood pours down my hands. Tears blind me. 

“Oh my God im so sorry” a panicked voice breaks through my pain and anxiety induced fog. Laying my head on the concrete, sighing at my stupidity. I must have ran headlong into an opening door.

“No dont worry im just an idiot” i can't help but laugh a little.

Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. Here’s to hoping some breathing technique can calm my nerves. Forcing my jaw to unclench as i continue my deep breathing. I’ve never worked so hard in my life for this opportunity.

“What in the shit box is going on here fingers?”

Closing my eyes and trying to keep my breathing going. Tom is the last person i need right now.

“Oh trying to teleport back to your shack to avoid the embarrassment? Like you could pull that technique off” laughter broke out as i hear the footsteps walking toward me. Wrapping my hands more firmly around my creation i opened my eyes to stare the gifted sack down.

Tom is everything i am not. Tall, handsome and gifted beyond belief. His power was never earned and it’s always shown by the way he stares down at anyone trying to better themselves. The ability to control air for travel and manage the objects around him makes him easily one of the top candidates for this years entrance audition.

In moments my piece is swept from my hands by his power. Feeling the air push against my legs as my dream is pulled from my hands. As quick as i try to stand, I’m restrained by the smaller sacks. Dread flows from my head to my toes as i watch my ticket float to him.

“I am begging you Tom please don’t break that” my words clip in desperation.

“Relax inbreed i just want to see what desperate plan you’ve tried to put together. Maybe save you from the embarrassment and send you home now” shaking my creation in hopes he can divine its purpose. As if his feeble brain could comprehend the effort put into it. Flexing my pitiful muscles in hope i can wiggle out of their hold. They laugh at the attempt to extricate myself.

“Everyone has a right to audition so why dont you just leave me alone. You can go laugh in the crowd if its any consolation” hoping to give him an excuse not to break it.

“Yea but then my Uncle would have to see this shame of an attempt. Probably would scold me for not stoping this sooner.” As he tries to pry it open. Spinning it in the air looking for some clue, aside from the painted circles. Swirling air can be seen around those points, as if that would unlock its potential. Tom’s uncle is a tenured professor within the academy and apart of the admittance committee.

Unlike the gifted jock stain, I am able to emit a small but steady electrical charge, which is a pale comparison to what most of the people in this room can do. I was forced to be creative and leverage my small strength to create something impressive. I started to build that charge in hopes of freeing myself.

“What is going on here?” A well put together middle aged women said as she walked up. Looking clearly annoyed to have to intervene. She seemed to look at me in disgust, maybe she is able to sense capabilities?

“Oh just some simple teasing of our buddy here. I’m Tom Blake. You must know my uncle Jet Blake.” Tom said smugly knowing the simple name drop would get him off free.

She looked at the boy as if he were an ant that was foolish enough to bite her “I do know him but i do not know why that has any context as to why you are disrupting the auditions.” He paled and stepped back. “I suggest you take your seat before you are escorted off of the premise.” Without another word she strode back to what she was doing.

“Good luck piss ant.” Tom quickly said as he dropped my audition piece. Snapping my small charge to my legs i launched myself as quickly as my feeble skill could muster. catching my piece. Before slamming my chin into the floor, causing my eyes to water from the pain.

“Look he’s crying” roared Tom as the boys laughed at me, walking back to their seats.

Inhale. Exhale. I breathed deep as i lay on the floor. Soon they will see what real effort looks like. Smirking i got up and took my seat. Nerves vanishing after the little incident. The cold reaction of the staff member giving me hope that favoritism would not play a factor today. Strumming my fingers on the boxes top. Small sparks coming off from my excitement.

Oh Mai. How I can’t wait to see you. My thoughts race as fast as I can run with thoughts of her. Scenarios of our future life blur through the leaves and dappled light of the canopy. Dew from the ferns streaks my calves as I race down the path. Only a short window exists for me to see my goddess of the grove Mai, and today I’m behind schedule. I doubt she’ll be mad but I’ll be mad if I miss a moment. I wonder if the mist will dance with her this morning? How I wish I could be the spray that’s caresses her skin while she moves.

Sliding to a stop and take a few deep breaths to slow my heart for fear of disturbing her peace. I found the perfect viewing by accident one morning while searching for early signs of mushroom growth. Walking through the core of a downed tree up to a hollowed out knot i glimpsed her for the first time. The sound of water splashing at an odd cadence seemed to pull me to the hole. The soft wood seemed to part ways for me as a heavy leaf deposits water back to the earth. Welcoming the thirst quenching delight.

Such Grace should not exist and yet there she was. Chestnut hair spiraling in free intricate patterns as if it had made a deal with the wind itself. Delicate power propelled her around the glade, weaving an intricate pattern through the soft earth and puddles. Droplets joining the dance as they fan out from each step. Her skin so smooth that it seemed to shed anything she did not wish to touch her. Nothing compares to her eyes, a deep purple with a slight sharp shape that only adds to the mystery. My heart can only handle so many glimpses without dreaming of falling into those depths.

Walking down my second home i can feel the soft rotted would welcoming with its soft embrace. I had carved a small indentation into the welcoming wood so that I could gaze on my love. Settling down I shut my eyes to sync my heart with the sound of her dance. A soft easy tempo that I knew would pick up to a sprint that would send me to the stars. She was as elegant as ever as she twirled through the cool morning. Steam weaving around her as she moves. Relaxing into the warm embrace of my home all my anxieties wash away. Oh Mai. You know just how to set me at ease as the sound of the forest drifts away.

My heart thumps hard for the briefest of moments at the thought of her knowing. Wishing I could go to her. But even without our families approval, it would still be in vain. Those beautiful violet freckles sparkling her skin accent her beauty so perfectly. Yet spell my doom. Rubbing my own green freckled skin and squeezing my frustration out. How could something so complementary cause the opposite reaction?

A people separated by nature while being of the same people. How it makes any sense is beyond me. I’ve never gotten a good answer as to why the Rook people changed. At least we claim they are the ones that changed. Old trappers claim it’s corrupted power that changed them yet we exist in perfect harmony with them. We just can’t touch for fear of death. We are able to touch goods held by their people and eat the food they grow but physical contact is strictly forbidden.

I don’t know how long I can’t stop myself from wanting to be with her. I dream of the day we lock eyes. I just know she will understand me with a glance. I occasionally drop things from the hole in hopes she will notice me, but when she moves it seems the forest moves for her. I would move for her, oh Mai.

“Alright class I’m going to break you into pairs to work on this lab. I know you have partners but we are mixing it up just for today” groans immediately escaped the class. Mrs Felts immediately started back up while waving her hands for calm “relax it’s just for today since we have a few people missing and it’s good for you to work with others for a change”. Unfazed by the students protesting she started naming off pairs. Walking down the center isle she pointed to stations as she named off partners. “And here we will have Michael and Ryan” closing my eyes i breathed deeply. This was not what I needed today.

Ryan was a sworn enemy of House Tog but surprisingly Ryan and I have many things in common. For instance, we both like pizza and it just so happens that both our families are very old and mysterious. We both are in the same grade, and we both have weird powers that let us banish otherworldly beings from our plane of existence. The problem is, is that both our houses claim to have the better process and hate the other for their process. It’s honestly pretty funny if you think about it. We use techniques that channel through the tips of our fingers and they channel through their palms. But at the end of the day both techniques accomplish the same goal.

Thus we are sworn enemies and will make every effort to mark someone of the other house. Its a dated battle but when someone is coming at you to make you look stupid, you are going to defend yourself. It is a great shame to be marked by the opposing house. Honestly I probably wouldn’t bother with Ryan if he wasn’t the bane of my existence. Back in kindergarten he trapped a spirit in my backpack that scarred me to this day. I still have to double loop my straps to make sure it hasn’t been tampered with. Then in 3rd grade he chased me with his palm at recess everyday. I hadn’t yet manifested my marks so I had nothing to fight back with but times have changed. He’s getting marked today and I can see the resolve on his face to do the same to me.

A series of beakers and liquids are arrayed in font of us as Ms Felts describes the process. I can’t really pay attention with my heart pounding. Wriggling my fingers to keep them loose in anticipation. The first exchange tension is in the air. You would think fingers would trump palm, but your first line of defense is your hands regardless of fingers or palms. Pinpointing the side of the hands to deflect is this most important when combating either side. I can see him going through motions in preparation as his hands slide through simple techniques . Pulling his shirt down as far on his arms as possible to avoid skin contact. Cursing my luck for wearing a short sleeve shirt. I’m to exposed.

“Ok begin the assignment. I will be walking around to assist” the class springs into motion but we just sit there frozen in a deadlock. Neither wanting to put themselves out of position. My body feels like it’s vibrating and sound seems to be going out. Focusing my breathing and relaxing my body to flow through the motions. In and out. We are nearly in sync. “Were neither of you paying attention to my instructions?” Both of us having just noticed our teacher looming over us. Tension disappearing in an instant.

“I’m sorry Ms. Felts, I got distracted trying to find my instructions.” Quickly pulling my lab plan out and flipping to the first step. I start reaching for containers as she turns to help the class. In an instant Ryan’s palm flashes forward at my forearm. I windmill my arm upward and thrust my right hand under to retaliate. Flattening his arm to the top he slides under my hand and pops my arm up into the air. At the same time I thrust my left fingers, trying to grasp the back of his exposed neck. Not waisting a moment he sways backward while curling his arm to catch my extended hand. He’s faster and more lithe than I would have guessed. I reverse my arm and chop his bicep causing his arm to hit the table top loudly. We both immediately start working on our lab as if nothing had happened.

Trying to control my breathing I begin to work on the lab and collect myself. Our exchange only lasted the shortest of moments but no one seemed to have noticed minus the clang his arm made. An unspoken truce seems to have been made as we play catch up, and by we I mean me. Ryan stares at his instructions like he hasn’t been in the class all year.

“Grab the saline solution over there Tog” pointing to the small stopper.

“I know what to do and don’t talk to me Cof. Let’s just get through this lab and then I’ll stain your useless face” as he reaches for the stopper like he knew what to do. The rest of the assignment goes fine as we start to near the end. Other groups have already finished and begin to trickle out for an early lunch. With less people I feel my guard coming back up. I know the buffoon won’t miss a chance with less eyes on us.

“Hey Michael hurry up and finish so we can go eat!” My best friend Adrian calls out as he walks out of the class. Can’t believe even he’s finished since he usually has to rely on me to finish our labs.

“Wouldn’t want your boyfriend to worry Cof” Ryan snickered poking his lips out at me.

“I’ll give you a dollar if you can read the name of the solution we are making” snickering as I get ready to light the Bunsen burner for our final step. Squeezing the striker again and again to get the flame going distracted me from the attack. Just before he struck I squeeze the striker at his hand causing sparks to rain down his open palm. Clenching his teeth, Ryan quickly pulled back his hand shaking it out. Without thinking I dropped the striker and snapped my fingers at his knee. Reacting just as quickly he kicked against my chair to create space but my fingers scraped down his leg leaving red burns. Unfortunately not enough to deal a permanent mark.

“Ryan what are you doing now! Your group is one of the last remaining and it seems Michael has taken care of most of the lab. You will finish writing up the lab to turn it in!” Ms. Felts stalked down the aisle to continue scolding the boy. Ryan fumed as he stood up to move his chair back, ignoring the fresh burns running down his shin. Fortunately for him I had finished the lab and he only needed to write the summary to turn it in. I quickly got my things together to leave.

“Here is our lab Ms Felts” grumbled Ryan as he walked up to turn in the assignment.

“Just because you do not like Mr Cof does not give you reason to disrupt my class Mr Tog. If you are paired up again I expect better from you.” Thinking quickly I walked up and put my hand on his back with my thumb on his neck. Burning him with my family mark.

“Oh we worked great together didn’t we Ryan?” I said beaming at him. “Just a little horse play but nothing we couldn’t handle to get the assignment done.” Ryan could only grit his teeth to the pain while staring daggers at me.

“Well run along to lunch boys” without a moments notice I was out the door. Ecstatic from my first victory against House Tog.

“Wake up loser” the same voice I hear every morning and at the same time. I’d give truly anything to not have and annoying, nagging and ugly older sister.

“Call me ugly one more time”

Shiver ran across my skin at that remark. She’s so touchy in the morning and knows how much I hate being woken like this. I wonder how far away I’d need to get for it to stop working. Stretching as I look around for my sliders I wish I could remember my dream. I never put much effort into hollowing out my space. It fit my just big enough leaf bed along with some of my experimental tools and a small desk. I prefer a windowless room to avoid the sun as much as possible in the morning.

Just because we are the Sun people does not mean I need it any chance I can get. Picking the fields is enough. Fitting on my sliders I shoot through my entrance and slide down the burrow. The sun people are a crafty folk with simple nature antunment. My burrow is an example of our natural ability to manipulate earth and everyone has varying degrees of this.

Larissa is special and can attune to creature of any kind. My unfortunate case being her family it’s easier for her to harass me.

“And I’ll continue to harass you until you get to the fields!” Her tone getting stronger as the day progresses. She just doesn’t get the nuance of design and genius such as mine takes time. Particularly time away from the fields. Pushing off the mud I skate across the surface with my sliders. A brilliant combinations of mushroom cap and mud skipper slime I can breeze across our land. Large leaves plants shade our cozy humid grove and dapple the air green. Snatching up some wild berries I make my way away from the fields. Its cattail season and everyone will be there climbing the poles to relieve the stocks of their fluffy substance.

What everyone seems to ignore about cattail season is dragonfly season. A truly brilliant display of grace, speed and design. If only I had a skill like Larissa, maybe I could tame one and really soar. To truly witness our big in all its glory.

“You have until the end of breakfast to make it to the fields or I will send Whistler after you” ground Larissa into my head. If she wasn’t bad enough she had to flaunt her skills by taming a leopard hopper. She may be annoying but she does user her skills for good sometimes. Taming Whistler was probably the single smartest and annoying thing she could do. My sliders are fast but they are a snails crawl compared to the distance Whistler can cover in a single hop. He may not be graceful but his raw power is impressive. Fortunately Whistler is very much needed for Cattail harvesting. His mandibles make short work of the reeds and allow us to crates rows through the fields.

Tree roots make bridges overhead while moss and ferns line the many paths of the people. Some climb down from the roots that prefer to make home above the paddy covered understory. Nothing against them but sliding across the mud is so much easier than sliding on bark, unless it’s mossy bark. Most of the above bark is dry and soaks up the slime very quickly.

Just pass the small crab wholes lies the clay mines. Deep valleys of walls with clay in various stages of drying. Perfect for creating and binding pieces together. I do a quick look over to see if anyone is around but it should be clear. Sliding down I veer towards an older part of the mine. I quickly lift an nearly hidden leaf covered in clay and slide under. Squatting down I fly down the tunnel of clay to my secret hole. By now I can barely make out Larissa sicking Whistler on me but it’s too late now that I’m here. Gliding out into a blue lit cave my eyes adjust to my sanctuary. Blue glowing lichen gives off enough light to see and work by. Tables line one side while clay pools house various liquids on the other. As much as I give off a lazy air I really just want to design things to make the people’s life easier. They may not understand now but someday I’ll see my people soar.

Walking in the rain has always been one of my favorite things to do. Everything slows down and you feel like the only people in a space. While everyone is inside you get to experience places in near isolation, so i like to drive around to new places to experience this.

I was walking right down the middle of the street on a rainy afternoon. Some shops were open, and others had closed early. Just like i liked it. Greens just seem so much more vibrant in the rain. Beautiful oak trees lined the street on both sides with ornate street lamps. It was a sleepy little downtown road.

Kicking and stepping in puddles is a must if you are going to do it. I remember looking at this restaurant that was tucked slightly father back than the rest. It had a simple courtyard with string lights. Surprisingly i wondered how it looked on a sunny day to relax there and people watch. An equally great pasttime. There was a puddle nearly centered on the building and i walked over to step on it.

Immediately i experienced vertigo as if i did a sommersault while walking. The rain was gone but it was cloudy in a muted way, as if there was no sun beyond the clouds. I just found myself staring in confusion at the clouds, trying to determine what kind of light must be difusing within them.

“You ok there?” Suddenly sound seemed to return and i looked down to see a courtyard of people enjoying their day. A person on the sidewalk had stopped and was staring at me like a crazy person.

“Im gonna go with no im not ok” i said sounding dumbfounded. One moment we were alone in the rain and now im surrounded by people and you were gone.

“Well it would probable be a good idea to get out of the road unless you are looking for a new zipper”

Why would i be looking for a new zipper? It was the weirdest question but as i walked to the curb i noticed many people had them. Some covered forheads and limbs. Everyone had them in fact and various amounts of them. They seemed to be attached seamlessly with no bunching as if it were stitched on. It didnt seem like they slowed anyones movements down but how could zippers make any sense.

As i stepped on the side walk it seemed the person understood my confusion. “Yep you aren’t from around here are you?

“What would be your first guess” looking around as i sarcastically reaponded.

Laughing they said “well the reaction was a clue or the lack of zippers. Surprisingly it happens more often than youd think”

Looking back at him i got a better look. Minus the zippers he wouldnt seem out of place on any trendy street. He had a pair of casual sneakers and jeans with a band tshirt on. His curly brown hair bounced from the laughter and his light brown eyes gave off a warmth that the light didn’t show. He had a zipper on his temple and under his eye that for some reason didnt look that odd. “Wait what happens more often than id think?”

“People ending up on this side. Im mean we are clearly a bit different than you” he spread his arms out dramatically. “Probably wondering what the zippers are about”

“That and this weird weather. Any reason why it feels like there is no sun behind those clouds? And whats the deal with the zippers? Will you start bleeding if i pulled one?” I couldnt help thinking i could spill someones gutx completely on accident.

“No weirdo why would you try to unzip someone.” Stepping back away from me. “And to your light point you arent wrong. As far as we know its just clouds upon clouds up there and a light from your side passing through. As for the zippers its a quirk of our world that allows us super easy access to our internals with very little issues. You trip and fall you get a zipper. Slap it on the skin and your healed. Slap another next to it and it grows further along and closes up the problem. Even our internals can get zippers. Its pretty convenient compared to your side.”

“Man would that have saved me alot of time.” I Pointed to the very large acar running along the inside of my arm. Baseball injuries are not fun.

“Man thats weird how your side does things.” Shaking his head in disbelief “unfortunately you better step back through before you cant” he had pointed to the puddle still in the road. It seemed smaller than on my side. The realization came back and it was time to fet focused.

“What happens if i stay too long? Can i get a zipper and go back? I couldn’t help but wonder if it worked on the other side.

“First part if you let that puddle shrink you are stuck till you find another and who knows where it will connect. We don’t understand why they pop up but we do know it happens during active rain and when no ones around. At least based on the stories from anyone on your side.” He held up two fingers. “Second if you get a zipper you are here to stay. Which isnt a bad thing but theres alot more to our world that i dont have time to explain.” He point again to an even smaller puddle.

“Man i have so many questions but i guess nows not the time.” I had a good life minus the usual anyone goes through. Reaching out i shool his hand in thanks. “Hopefully i can find my way back someday under better circumstances but thank you”

He shook my hand back “no problem rain man” he winked. Stepping back through felt the same as before, my stomach did a flip and i was getting pelted by very light rain. “Maybe the rate of rain fall makes a difference.”

I still havent found my way back but on a nice light rainy day you can find me walking into puddles. I may have added an overnight bag to my trips out.

heavy breathing “if we get caught… we tell them the truth”

“But we agreed to lie” Tim agressively whispered.

“Tim we took it to far. We are literally hiding in a play house in someone backyard” i waved my hands around at the plastic walls of our shelter.

“And? Who cares dude we are almost home free. I say we hide out here for an hour and then casually walk out of here” Tim leaned back making himself comfortable.

“Great idea we will just casually walk back to my house while holding a knee high garden gnome” flourishing my hands at the gnome like he won a prize. “You do realize the police are going to keep driving around even if they give up in us. There is a reason we have a patrol” i sat back with a huff. I need to control my voice before we get in even more trouble. A little girls doll house is bound to get us caught by someone dad getting water. I cant help but glance at the windows every few minutes. Training my ears for the sound of a door opening.

“Bro you need to relax. This is classic Zak. You think its funny when we talk anout something and then bug out after we do it. You take all the fun out of a simple prank” Tim flicked me on the elbow in annoyance. He knows i hate that.

“Dude you know i like Heather and her Grandma made that for her 8th birthday. Shes had it for years” i spit at him in frustration.

Tim got up in a crouch sitting on his heels. “So are you wussing out or what cause you need to decide” tim said while staring me down.

Glancing at the windows again. I can feel my jaw clenching as i squeeze my fists. “Yep im out man, im putting it back.”

Shaking his head “fine man then ill catch you later” Tim started to walk out of the playset.

I put my arm up in the door. “Just like that you are going to leave me” i stared at him dumbfounded.

“Yea man im not risking putting that back. And chances are ill make it home while you get caught” pushing me out of the way Tim began to army crawl to the fence.

“Classic Tim” i say shaking my head. Alright im two blocks away from the house. The light at the end of her street is out. Theres an alley behind me with the light at the end so that will be tricky. I can either try and make it further to her alley and come up behind or use rhe cover of the light being out to run up to the front and drop it. I shale my teeth side to side trying to think. Jumping the fences is definitely going to get me caught but the police are definitely taking the alleyways.

Exahling a deep breath i make up my mind. The longer i wait the more scenarios i’ll come up with and just spiral. I’ll take the alley carefully and then sprint the two streets over. Then take my time sneaking to the house from the front. The grass is already wet as i crawl out of the play house. Slipping over the fence i drop into a crouch holding the gnome and make my way slowly down the alley. Theres a couple spots i can hide if need be. My breathing feels loud and i cant seem to find a quite spot to step. Rocks grind under my feet and occasionally breaks a small piece of glass. I suck at this. Only 3 houses left when i see a search light start to brighten as a car makes its way.

I dash up to some bushes at the second to last house. Sliding on the gravel and newrly dropping the gnome i crouch in the bush. I cant help but wonder if a spider or some bug will crawl on me, involuntary shivers run through my limbs. The car slowly makes its way down the alley. Rocks shoot from under the tires. I slide my hand over the reflective patch on my arm as i turn sideways. Shoving the gnome inside the jacket. My heart thrums in my ears. I wonder if the bush vibrates from its pulses. The car slides by me as it rolls down the alley. Taking its time as it enters the middle of they alley where its darkest. First obstacle down.

Just as the car is about to leave the alley i can hear the radio. “One kid spotted hopping fences 4 blocks over. Need coverage” the cops speed off. Oh Tim you were never patient enough when being chased but i bet the streets clear. I make a dash under the street light and across the street. Not slowing down i round the corner to Heathers street. Its quiet for the most part. Her houses lights are on but i cant see anyone in the windows. Takinf a deep breath i can see the neighbors dont have their lights on and no cars in the drive. If i make a sprint to their bushes i can rest there and then slide over to Heather for the drop.

Heart still pounding in my ears i make to run but my foot slides out from under me. Rolling onto my back to protect the gnome i sprint in a three point stance to get my feet under me. All i can think about is making it to the bushes. Im starting to ger a headache from squeezing my teeth but theres a better gap between the bush and the house. Its a good resting spot and i can see the window in front of where the gnome goes. What if Heather finds out it was me? What if Tim gets caught and he rats me out. Rubbing my face my hands are covered in sweat. I can feel my eyes burning and my lips taste salty.

Why do i keep letting Tim talk me in to stupid stuff like this. Deep breath after deep breath i cant shake the thoughts that this is going to end bad. She doesnt deserve this. Maybe i should go knock and tell her. I punch the side of the house in frustration. It would be a beautiful night if i hadnt been so dumb. Its a bit chilly now that i think about it and the stars are out. Would have been a nice night to ask her to take a walk. Crouching down i put my face in my hands as if hiding there could cure my problem. I swear if i get out of this im done with the pranks.

My breath tickles my eyelashes and i can feel myself calming down. The gnome isnt broken and ill have it back there in less than a minute. No one saw my face so me walking home alone isnt weird. With a glance at the window i get ready. Quick sprint and set it under the tree then book it back to the burnt out street light. Simple. Deep breath and a last glance at the window. The leaves shake as i shoot from my hole. Its less than 20 yards to the tree. The mulch crunches under my feet as i slam the gnome down and take back off. I hear him fall over from my quick turn but its back now. The wind is cool on my face as i run around the corner and stop.

Heart is back in my ears but i creep back to see if anyone has noticed. The thudding is slow loud as i stare at Heathers but all is normal. Sighing i turn around and start walking. Its a long walk but i need time to think. My legs feel heavy now but the tightness is gone from my chest and my jaw is slack. Steam rises from my mouth as i hang my head back and stare at the stars while i walk. Walking like a half severed neck i cant help but laugh. What a dumb situation to get stuck in. Maybe i’ll try and write Heather a note and play dumb like i heard about it. Or maybe i should get mom to stop and get me a candy bar to say sorry on the way to school.

For how many stars are out there its crazy to think no one saw me. Maybe something is staring at me now and shaking their head knowing it was dumb. My breathing picks back up as i wonder if Heather was watching from her room. I didnt even think think to look up.

“Hey Pete did you hear that?”

Pete sighed. “Carl i swear if you farted i’ll kill you if i can grt out of this seat” Pete started shifting as if to find a good angle to push himself up.

“If i farted youd be dead by now” laughed Carl. “With great age come great power in the way of toxic waste”.

“Well spit it out then” Pete was definitely testy in his old age.

“Its a whole lot of nothin” a gentle breeze was all that could be heard. It was a beautiful day as the two friends sat on the porch in their rockers.

“Carl if you die tomorrow I may finally know peace” Carl exclaimed grumpily.

“Then who would you have fun with? Once upon a time they called us the Twin Rebel Rousers.” Carl energetically said as he fanned one arm out. “There wasnt a mother around that didnt tell their daughters to stay away from us”.

“Thanks to all that rousing i got a bum knee and im still banned from the bingo hall” Carl threw his hands up in frustration.

“I swear if you cry about that knee one more time im going to trip you. That was not my fault and you know it.” Carl started to lose his light banter. “60 years youve griped about that knee but didnt stop you from dancing at all the weddings.”

Wiping at his head Pete seemed to deflate. “Im tired Carl” he turned his head peering down the road as if searching for something. “Its just us now. The girls are gone and the kids have their own lives. The glow of life is over. “ finally resting his head in his hands.

Carl sat there dismayed at what he was hearing. Pete was like a shining star their whole life riding a course all the way through. He was moved like the wind as kids. He remembered how he stole Mrs Lucy’s fresh pie right the window. He flew down that drive dodging her pellet gun like the wind whispered the shots. The same man that threw him up to Pam’s window to sneak his first kiss. They did everything together. A life time of friendship but it was more than that to Carl. Pete was true family, from the joys of life to the burden of loss. He was there when we got the final news for Pam and when she took her final breath. To hear him finally being beaten was just too much for Carl.

Carl knew he needed to do something for his friend. A time to ride the breeze into a gale. Possibly their last dance. Leaping up surprising even his old body, he snapped a plan together.

“Alrighty Petey we gotta do something! I need you to run down to the grocer and get some confetti eggs for me” Carl buzzed with excitement.

Groaning Pete responded “You know i hate when you call me Petey, and why on Gods green earth do you need confetti eggs. Its doubtful the grandkids will come by anytime soon.”

Carl began to drag Pete out of the chair. Shooing him towards the cars. “Nevermind why i need them just go get them for me” Carl was not about to take no from Pete. Reluctantly he walked over and began the journey to town.

With his hands up high by his chest, Carl powerwalked to the shed. “I know its in here somewhere” thought Carl as he rummaged around the dusty relics. Toys and tools from multiple generations of kids. A rocking horse from the late 1800s that was Carl’s father’s as a kid. Ornate and beautiful from a generation come and gone. “Ah there she is” Carl carefully slid a case off the shelf and made his way to a work bench. Pulling the draw string for an overhead light Carl reverently stared at the cases occupent. The spud gun in all its glory. The cool kids thought it was fun to hit mailboxes with bats but we decided to take it to another level with a homemade potato launcher. Its how we became known as the neighborhood rebel rousers. A weight lifted off Carl as he stared at his memories. It was time to make a new one.

Carrying his gun case out like a trained sniper, Carl headed to get the last piece of the puzzle. He set the case down as he rolled back the cover to the second instrument of the rebel rousers. A sleek midnight blue 64 Thunderbolt with 435 horses of rebel. “Man if the boys could see her now” thought Carl. The weight returned as Carl thought of Tyler and Carter.

“Oh i know you dont think we can drive that thing anymore” exclaimed Pete. Carl jumped having been lost in memory. “That car has been on a no fly list for 50 some odd years. Surprised shes still in such good shape.“ Pete set the bags on the hood as he walked around the car reverently. Smiling he poke his head in the back seat. “Whooo if the girls could see this thing now”.

Shaking his head Pete jingled the keys “lets ride partner”.

The men sat there anticipating the engine firing. With a whoosh of power the men began to vibrate with energy as the car plopped away, as if it was urging them to ride again. Life filled the men as the fist bumped. Simultaneously cranking the windows down to embrace the wind. Carl reached back and handed Pete the case. Grinning Pete knew exactly what Carl had in mind. “Crazy old fool” said Pete as he loaded the gun with an egg.

With a whoop Carl brought the car to life. Throwing rocks as they raced down the drive. The back end of the Thunderbolt slid out as they hit the road. Pete had his arm braced in the window with a grin from ear to ear. Racing to town like two teenagers the men discussed the plan of attack. It was simple, shoot eggs at all the kids houses and any old nemesis homes for nostalgia sake. Carl practiced on trees to get some practice.

On the outskirts of town the old men turned boys began the rousing. Confetti burst into doors and windows aplenty. Even Mrs Lucy’s old mailbox wasnt safe from them. They delt more alive than they had in years. Laughing and hollering like they were teenagers again. Some of the grandkids got a show as they came peeling down the street while they playing in the yard. Theirs cheers only egged them on further. Unfortunately it wasnt long till they saw red and blue in the window. “5 bucks says Sophia called Blake on us” said Carl. Blake was Pete’s oldest grandson and was a police officer.

“Pull over now you two” came a familiar voice. Carl began to slow down.

“Let me show that boy what grandpa used to be like. Before Carl could do anything Pete leaned out the window with the laucher. Swerving while trying to keep one hand on Pete’s belt, Carl roared with laughter. He could see the explosion of confetti in the rearview as he pulled him back in.

“Now thats what im talking about Petey!” Yelled Carl. Sliding the car around onto Main Street the men got a good look at their hometown. Racing down the street grinning at the mayhem they caused. Carl looked at his best friend and smiled. As they raced put of town the two relaxed and just enjoyed the ride. Wistfully Carl looked in the backseat from the rearview. Visualize the brothers that were no longer with them. He could see Tyler with his glasses and long flowing hair. If only he hadnt gone to war he may still be with them now. Glancing over he could see small Carter with his freckled face. He was never the same after his mom passed away. Time had a way with taking loved ones away but the memories stayed with them.

“The boys would be proud of us aye Petey” said Carl.

“Oh they’d be dam proud” said Pete as he smiled at his friend.

Im a sucker for a warm spring day. The air smells fresh and slightly sweet. Breeze keeps you cool while the sun warms your skin. Makes you want to close your eyes and just breath. Just to slow down and let the anxiety drift away. To let your mind wonder and create worlds under the bow of tree branches. Bathed in a slight green from the sun shining through the leaves. Hiding your face just right so you can look up yet still feel the sun. Letting your body sink into a pillow of vigorous spring grass while being kissed by the damp earth underneath.

If only that moment could stretch out like the clouds above. Makes me wonder what im working for or if its worth it. If i could just experience the green of spring all the time maybe id be stronger.

I'm dead is on repeat in my head. No matter how far or fast I run I can hear its talons behind me. A rainfall of knives on stone rings out behind me. If even one step is out of place I'm dead. A stitch rips my side and I can feel the pulse of my heart fighting back the screeching sound. If I could just make it outside maybe I can find a place to hide, but at this rate im doomed.

Pain flares in my hip as I bounce off the rapidly narrowing corridor. Scrambling for purchase and tearing my skin on the granite i know ive messed up. I'm pinned to the wall in seconds by tiny spear like legs locking each joint against the wall. Wretched humid breath pounds my neck. I can hear rapid pincers clack and flick my ear. Ive never sat so still in my life. Any moment I expect to meet my end, in a cave ive spent my entire life playing in without the smallest worry of danger. I pray Cent does not come looking for me. He's probably still reading that lame book we found, but better than dying. More time passes than I realize and I can't help but hear something change.

My body is still pinned against the wall but the smell and heat is gone. There is a puff of air noise like pressure slowly being let out. My neck muscles clench as I force myself to face whatever is holding me. My heart thunders in my head with each micro inch I turn. Bile rises in my chest, but I lock eyes as I finally turn.

Cent spits in my face, unable to hold back his laugh and I crumple from exhaustion. Fortunately, the spikes hold me as I stare blankly at my best friend crying from uncontrolled laughter. Dots invade my eyesight as my brain tries to comprehend. The spikes gently remove themselves and lower me to the ground as I try to catch my breath. The cold stone is a welcomed relief till my scraped hands snap me back to reality.

"Well there brother you shouldn't be running around like that" Cent squeaks out as the spears retract around him. Long smooth appendages seem to suck behind his back one joint at a time. His body seems to grow in the middle and his shredded shirt is filled back by pink flesh.

"What in the blazes was that Cent? Was that you or something behind you?" I manage to breath out.

"I told you reading unlocks the world" he cackles throwing his arms up having finally reverted to normal. "that book showed me things we have only seen in our dreams." Sitting down next to me I can see the many holes out of the side of his shirt.

Looking back and thinking about the sounds I shiver and slowly say "are you a spider?" a heaviness worms through my body as he renews his laughter.

“well I thought what would be the best way to get back at you for making fun of me for reading and it hits me. Your biggest fear is spiders." His fingers wave like spider legs. I scramble away from him to laughter.

"you are such a dick" and I shiver at the thought of a giant spider. " You have now brought to life my worst nightmare’ and I will be setting traps when we get home"

"Don't be like that Melan it will come in handy, but you are missing the point" I help him up and we begin to walk back. 'you haven't asked if I can share this ability" bumping me with his shoulder.

I cant help but grin at him in thought of what I could be. A powerful lion maybe or silent wolf. Adventure wells up as I think of us flying through the countryside in our forms, taking on all measure of beasts. Our time has come and I clap him on the shoulder as I pull him to me. "well brother I think its time you enlighten me"