It’s the same day but at a different location, more notably the small cosy town where Eric and Jack have called home for the time being. Currently Eric’s walking back into the hotel with grocery bags swinging back and forth in each hand, but the big guy showed signs of irritation. He’s annoyed at the fact Jack didn’t go or come downstairs to at least help him with the groceries like he promised the day before.
“I’ma teach that damn boy a lesson alright. Honestly, this damn kid, ah…” Eric reaches the top floor and walks to Jack’s room. “He better be in there or he’s definitely getting an ass whooping.”
Eric drops the bags and knocks on Jack's door, but there’s no answer. He knocks again and still no answer. Growing impatient he slams his fist on the door and shouts at Jack to “Open the damn door!”
Nothing, but he heard some movements inside his room and made Eric scrunch his face in confusion. “The hell’s he doing in there… Jack, open up or I’ll break this door down my guy.” He waits to see if he’ll get a response, still nothing.
Eric had enough, with his patience on thin ice, he grabs the door knob and slams his shoulder against the door to force himself in. As the door slammed open and Eric stepped in feeling annoyed, he spotted Jack trying to hide something.
“Hey! Didn’t you hear me knock fool? And watchu hiding huh?”
Eric walked to Jack who ignored his uncle and grabbed his shoulder to turn him round. Jack didn’t fight back and was face to face with his uncle.
“Uh, what’s—up?” said Jack, who looked ashamed.
Eric looked over Jack’s shoulder and saw a pill bottle opened and his addiction spilled on the ground. The big guy sighed and grabbed his forehead, throbbing it in pity for Jack. He dragged his hand down his face and shook his head, looking back to his nephew in disappointment.
Eric placed his hands on his hips and briefly pointed at the spilled pills. “So, still using those shits in secresty, are we?”
Jack doesn’t reply and looks away in shame.
“No matter where we go, you always find your fix don’t you? Damn, and before we came here, before all that crazy shit, back at the house… Didn’t we have a whole conversation and fight about your addiction? Wow…”
Jack can hear the disappointment in his uncle's voice and it made him feel more shameful than before. His eyes narrowed, looking down to the pills, he reached down and grabbed some and stared at them in his palm. The temptation to consume them all, even in front of his uncle, made the young man shake. Eric could see Jack combat this demon and waited to see what the young man would do. Jack wanted to, his body begged him to indulge in his craving for the white demon to ease his stress. But luckily, something in his body made him reject these feelings, and that being the girl in white.
“Jack… you’re better than this, don’t let your mind deceive you into taking these, please.” she said with a hint of sadness in her gentle tone.
“Mallory… I-I…” Jack crushed his eyes shut and closed his palm, and deeply sighed.
Jack coughs and throws the bottle of pills at Eric. “You don’t understand man… It's tough out here, and my mind’s not right…”
Jack crushed the pills in his hand and walked over to a trash bin to throw the powder away. Eric sighed too but still felt as if the boy's addiction is much too deep in its phase to be easily defeated right now. In spite of that feeling, he still felt somewhat proud of him for winning this battle, but the big guy still had some words left to say to his nephew.
As he watched Jack clean up the spilled monsters, Eric crossed his arms and sat on a nearby chair. “Jack, why are you so fucked up?”
Jack stopped any sudden movements and trickled a gasp between his teeth.
“Why couldn’t you’ve been a normal kid, teen, now a young man like everyone else? Why do you kill for nothing? Why do you consume your demons for your selfish needs? Tell me, my guy…”
Jack clutched his chest, squinting his eyes. Eric’s face was still and he remained calm so he could ensure his words and tone reach not only Jack’s ears, but his soul that’s blackened.
Eric released another breath and stood up out of the chair. “Why couldn’t you be like Angela? Is it my fault that you’re a druggie? A piece of shit? And now a self destroying waste of human garbage?” He shakes his head, “Tell me man, tell me. Is it my fault? Or Randolph’s, that you’re so fucked up?”
Jack’s eyes exploded and dropped his jaw, he felt those words reach his blackened heart. There’s a brief pause between the two, Eric breathing, Jack rapidly blinking, trying to comprehend his uncle's truthful words, they both didn’t know what to say next.
Jack turns around and stares at Eric who remains quiet and collective. “You’re still holding back on your emotions from Randolph, huh? Uncle…”
Eric didn’t respond and remained silent. But Jack saw him ball one his fists. The big guy was doing his best to not show any emotions so he can remain the alpha and mature one in the conversation. Jack understood his uncle's wording, his reasoning behind his current behaviour, it was all coming to the young man's clouded mind. Throughout the arguments, fighting, the course of years going by, Jack was always the one being emotionless and trying to remain collective when in reality, he was an emotional mess. His uncle was acting just like Jack when he was younger, but the thing Jack knew most about his uncle was that the big guy, in spite of him acting alpha, strong, cool, in reality, he’s just as emotional.
Jack sat on the bed and hung his head in shame. “I’m sorry man, it’s not your fault that I’m so fucked up… Its-It’s my fault, like I always said, and I’ll keep repeating so long as I keep breathing.”
Eric lets out a deep sigh in relief. He can feel the tone in Jack’s voice brush against his ear drums with truth behind it.
“It's my fault for becoming the trash that I am today. Trust me man, you’re probably not the only one who feels this way, if my dad were here… he’d probably be just as disappointed in me as you said.”
Eric sees Jack’s body looking lighter as his sorrow continues to relax his muscles and tell his uncle of his regrettable past actions.
“Not only him, but Randolph too… and especially—my mother.”
Jack’s eyes quiver in regret. He could feel his emotions ready to burst out.
Eric walked in front of his nephew, placing his giant hand on the young man's broad shoulder. “Yeah, you’re right. But my guy, you’re far too young to give up and as I stayed by your side, I can see the change coming to you. It’s only a matter of time until you can finally release the emotions you keep hiding from everyone. Hang in there, my nephew.”
Jack grinned and got up, going to his coat that was hung on a hanger and putting it on. “Thanks uncle.”
“Where you going?” asked Eric.
Jack shook his head and chuckled. “I think I’m gonna go see Candy now… since it’s almost that day, you know, that day.”
Eric shakes his head as well and grins. “Tell that fool, he’s still a fruity ass pebble.” Eric leaves along with the groceries, leaving Jack alone in his room.
Jack grins, brushing aside the feelings of sorrow, and readies himself by grabbing his bag, making sure his gun’s loaded and has enough money to make the small journey back to his dear friend Candy. He’s ready and puts the bag on and nods, feeling confident yet again after that small talk with his uncle.
“It’ll take me a couple days to get to Detroit, since I’ll be walking and going by bus, but I think I’ll be fine.” said Jack, gazing at the hotel window.
Jack was all set and ready to go. Let's do this, you dumbass.
Once Jack did leave his room, going to the front desk where the woman who had a crush on him was at, he paid for his room and paid for Eric’s room, that way there wouldn’t be any complications since they’ll be staying in town for a little longer.
The front clerk gave Jack a cute smile, “Thank you handsome for your services.” She gave him a kiss goodbye with her hand.
Jack recuperated her friendly gesture with a smile of his own, “No, thank you miss.”
Before he left, she wanted to ask something else, but quickly threw that thought away by covering her face. Instead she reminds him to pay for the damages to the door Eric just broke by raising a bill.
Jack looks over her shoulder and spots a camera room and smacks his lips with a grin. He pays for the damages and walks out of the hotel and the clerk lady gives him one last kiss goodbye.
Well, she got me there, there was no talking my way out of that case.
Jack reaches into his bag and pulls out his old flip phone and finally activates it after a long time staying silent. He places the battery back in and turns it on, waiting for it to come to life. Jack’s currently walking on the sidewalk, it’s busy, a saturday afternoon where all families and younglings were out venturing their thirst, hunger, and eagerness to buy things in the town. Seeing everyone with smiles, the sound of laughter passing Jack as he kept walking forward made him feel better. At least in this town no one knew who he was and wasn’t out for an easy access to fortune by taking his life. It felt relaxing and easy minded to know that Jack can casually walk down the sidewalk and enjoy the environment without depression smearing the atmosphere.
Jack took a stop momentarily in front of a mom and pa shop, checking out the displayed items they had just to sooth his cramped mind. “This-This is nice, huh, I wouldn’t mind living here permanently.”
The young man embellished the moment for another second and continued forward, making his way to the nearest bus stop that’ll take him to the next town or small city. He arrives at the edge of a busy intersection and finds a bus stop that’ll take him to his next stop. Jack stood there, watching people again and sighed, feeling nostalgic and reminiscing a memory of him and his parents when they would frequently go out on the weekends to do the same activities as the people around him did. While waiting, Mallory suddenly appears beside him, grabbing his hand.
“Woah!” said Jack loudly as the coldness that was her skin wrapped around his warmth.
People around heard and saw him grabbing nothing but the air and stared at him as if he were some random junkie talking to himself.
“Didn’t I tell you to stop doing that?” sighed Jack.
She giggles, Rubbing herself on his arm. “Sorry, I can’t help it sometimes.”
Jack felt his phone vibrate. He pulled it out and saw the device coming to life.
“Alright, now I’ll just text Eric to see if the service is still active. Wouldn’t doubt it though.”
Jack does and after a minute, Eric responds by calling him a “stupid druggy maniac.” Jack seemed annoyed by that and put his phone away.
Mallory’s standing by his side and she couldn’t help herself but look around at everything society has made since her last slumber before Jack freed her. Jack liked seeing her curiosity expressed through the awed face she had, it made him mildly grin, warming his heart.
“Oh wow! I’ve never thought I’d ever be able to walk by your side in the daylight and see how far humans have come in the past centuries! This-This is so fascinating.”
“What? You couldn’t do it before?” said Jack, raising a brow.
Mallory shook her head, and continued glancing around. “Nope, I wasn’t able to, but now that we’re more connected than ever, I’m able to appear whenever I want!” She huddles closer to Jack, feeling his heat. “All thanks to my—darling!”
Jack didn’t mind her comforting cold embrace and replied to it by patting her head. “So I’m assuming I’m the only one that can see you right?”
People around were intrigued by Jack petting, grabbing, talking to nothing as if he were a mime without the makeup. Some people took photos, others muttered, whispered words of why he’s acting this way or assumed he’s drugged out of his mind. Jack didn’t like some of the commotion and attention and looked at the folks curious about his actions. He glared at the small audience and reached into his coat, slightly pulling out his gun and making them disperse. There was no panic but instead, slight laughter and snickering.
Mallory waved at the people who couldn’t see her and laughed in amusement. “That’s right! That shouldn’t be a problem, right?”
Jack rolled his eyes and scratched his temple. “It is a problem, you trouble maker.”
Mallory pouts her face, but smiles afterwards. “Whatever… So, I’m assuming you’re gonna do what I think you're gonna do?”
Jack felt tired of standing because of the earlier crowd and sat down on the bus stop bench. “That’s right, I am. I’m really nervous, and I don’t think I’m ready to be honest.”
She too sat next to Jack and swung her legs, “Nah! You’re ready, you’re just being a tough guy that’s all.”
Jack smacked his lips and pulled a cigarette out of his pocket. “Whatever, let’s just wait for the bus to arrive, it’s gonna be a long journey. Well just like two days or three depending.”
Jack lit his cigarette and smoked while Mallory sat in silence, watching everyone enjoy life. The two watched the townsfolk walk past as car’s drove by and the sound of laughter echoed around them, reminding them of the enjoyments of life, even if it’s just the little things.
***
For the past few days, Sarah’s been quite distant from Anna since their sleep over. Anna hasn't noticed and stayed oblivious to that while Veronica knew well of the situation and asked Sarah countless times on why she’s been avoiding her best friend Anna. Sarah wouldn’t respond to her question but rather avoid it all together every time it was brought up in conversation. At the moment, Veronica’s alone at the cafeteria, the table where they all would be seated typically. She’s waiting for her friend Anna to come who texted her in the morning that she’ll be there, but she’s nowhere to be found and lunch ends soon.
Anna, where you, stupid dumby…
Veronica sighs and stares at her lunch, she wonders if Sarah will show up or really has something against Anna all of a sudden. Feeling the burdens out with another sigh, someone placed their hand on her shoulder and made her turn. It’s Danny, the last person who she wanted to see at the moment and oddly smiling at her rather too close.
“Could you not, jerk.” Veronica turns back around and brushes his hand off her shoulder.
Danny smirks and decides to sit next to her. “Hey VV! How’ve ya been?”
Veronica paid no attention to the menace that was Danny and started eating her lunch in silence. Danny playfully chuckles and leans into Veronica’s viewing, but she would look away. Inside it was irritating him but he played it out as if she were joking.
“Oh come on now VV? Don’t be like that! You gotta be more polite if you’re gonna be ready for your—big date!”
Veronica stopped eating and felt annoyed but surprised. “How did you know?! Gosh, you creepy, leave me alone.”
Danny tilts his head in confusion and feels a little surprised hearing that from her, being called a creep.
“Me? A creep? How so, VV?” said Danny, trying to grab her shoulder but was meant with rejection from her scooting away.
Veronica let out a huge sigh of frustration and slammed her hand on the table. “Can you leave me alone already and especially, leave Sarah alone! Lastly, stop calling me VV, creep.”
Veronica packed the remainder of her lunch, growing tired of Danny’s presence. Danny didn't like this behaviour from Veronica, feeling as though the other two have influenced her to be this way towards him.
“Veronica, don’t go! Come on now!”
Veronica’s done packing and walks off, but Danny wasn’t going to allow her to leave so easily. He grabbed her arm and placed pressure, being the one who’s annoyed.
“Now now, it isn’t very polite to leave your best friend hanging like this without saying goodbye.”
Danny’s playful smile fades and replaces it with a deep frown of anger with a hint of wickedness.
“Let go, let go of me, Danny!” Veronica tries pulling away, but Danny clenches her arm tighter.
“Stop moving or else you’ll make me madder, besty…” said Danny in a vulgar tone.
Veronica ground her teeth and pulled harder, “What do you think you’re—?!”
“Listen here! I don’t know what they’re telling you, but I’m innocent okay? Think about it! Sarah’s always disliked me since we were kids, right? That’s why they have you believe those lies that they tell about me.”
“Le-Let go of me, please! You’re hurting me.”
Danny quickly lets go and gasps, “Veronica, I—”
Veronica rubbed her forearm and gave Danny a look of repulsion. “What’s wrong with you?”
“I’m sorry, I-I didn’t mean to—” Danny’s about to stand until he felt someone grab his shoulder with intensity, making him look over his shoulder.
It’s Anna with her eyes sharpening in intensity, raising the edge of her lip and showing Danny the rage she has towards him. Danny panics and quickly gets up, forcibly chuckling his way out of the situation. Anna though, she wasn’t going to let him get away and kept stepping forward as he walked backwards. Danny tries smoothing his way out, showing Anna that he isn’t afraid, but in doing so makes him bump into another student. The two fall and the victims lunch falls on top of the two, covering them in sauce and noodles.
Anna crossed her arms and began laughing, “Serves you right, loser!”
The cafeteria joined in as well, and Veronica snickered behind her best friend. The student who fell victim to Danny’s stupidity got up and shouted, “Pay for my lunch!” Danny quickly obliges and hands him a buck fifty.
Danny looks at Anna and looks at Veronica as well, “You’ll pay, the both of you, haha!”
Danny smirks sadistically and laughs away at his own embarrassment. He gets up, pats himself, splashing sauce to other students nearby and walks away, flipping everyone off. His laughter along with the crazed look in his eyes made everyone feel uncomfortable, especially Veronica who felt somewhat bad for the poor sap. Anna sighs and sits down and so does Veronica as the cafeteria simmers down. Anna saw her friend's face look a little gloomy and decided to cheer her up with her positivity as she usually does.
Anna pats Veronica’s back and smiles at her to cheer her up. “I got your back girl! Sorry I’m late though, hehe.”
Veronica lets out a huge sigh of relief and hugs Anna, thanking her. “I thought he would never go away! Where were you when I needed you, my guardian angel!”
Anna giggles and takes her lunch out. “Sorry again, I had to talk to the student council about my signatures. Ugh! Such a pain in my ass, I have to get enough signatures by the end of the day to get this over with, but I don’t know where I’ll get the rest.”
“Hmm, well you said you hit the parks and close by towns.” Veronica closes her eyes and thinks for a moment then opens them again and lifts a finger. “I know! How about downtown, just stand at the front of a busy building and I’m sure you’ll get enough signatures!”
Anna groans and takes a bite of her lunch. “F-Fine, I’ll do that then, but which building though?” Anna too thinks for a second and comes up with something. “I’ll try the Detroit medical centre, it’s always busy with the amount of crime there is and people getting shot or overdosing.”
“Oo, good idea Anna, I told you you got this girl!” replied Veronica, turning her frown completely upside.
Anna raises a fist feeling pumped, “Anna you’re a genius!” Her eyes sparkled with excitement over her self compliment while Veronica moaned but felt better.
Veronica laid her head down on the table, blowing out air. “Well, I guess I’m left alone again, goodluck on your small trip.”
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
“Aww, you gonna miss me my beloved?!”
Veronica pinched Anna, making the blonde girl bite hard on her lunch. “Yes dear, and text me later on your genius plan if it works.” Veronica giggled and rubbed Anna’s arm.
Anna smiles, finishing her lunch, “Sweet, will do, lunch is almost over, best we leave huh?”
Veronica stands and stretches, “Yeah, I better leave now or else I’ll be late for my usual study session.”
“Oh Veronica, you and your studying. Well, see you later then, I better get going or else I’ll be late to discuss with the rest of the council members about my awesome plan. Wish me luck because I’m gonna need it…”
Both girls gave each other hugs and walked off, ending their session and forgetting the events with Danny that brought utter embarrassment to him. The students around were being their normal selves, getting up, cleaning, and being on their way to class. In a matter of minutes, the cafeteria becomes empty but only for a short time when the next lunch parade comes in, storming the seats and filling them up again.
***
It’s midday, school has ended, everyones gone home. Although currently, stomping his way through a busy sidewalk in a striving town located near the city of Detroit, it’s Danny, looking angry. He’s aggravated from what happened earlier in the day, his hands in his pockets and his teeth clenched, the guy is feeling the urge to release his anger onto something. Danny couldn’t stop thinking about how embarrassed he was, humiliated, and made himself look like a complete fool. Approaching his favourite pizza place to munch his anger on a slice to relieve its swelling, his approach became interrupted by a sensation of being watched. Danny stopped and looked to his right to a straight alleyway in which he spotted someone standing there very mysteriously.
“What in the…? Who’s there, I wonder.”
Feeling curious about who's standing there down the middle, Danny took a step back, stared more intensely and noticed from the shape, clothes, it’s Sarah.
“Woahoho! Why the hell is she there of all places? Whatever, I’ma go mess with her some more.” Hunching forward, Danny saw the small goth girl looking just as angry as he.
From what he can make out, Sarah looked absolutely livid. Her eyes were cold, a visible wrinkle between her eyebrows, hands clenched, and her face especially expressed wretchedness towards him. Danny found it humorous that someone her size tried looking intimidating, making him laugh uncontrollably. It rather made him think she looked more cute. Danny begins walking towards her with a huge smile on his face.
Sarah stood her ground and tightened her grasping anger. That’s right, come closer, you vile piece of human trash…
Danny’s getting closer. He felt enjoyment, a sense of adrenaline bursting from the feeling that he’ll make her experience fear from the secret he knew about her and teased it by using his own method of intimidation. Yet something felt strange once he’s getting a foot closer, something in the air felt heavy, to the point it suddenly made him stop moving.
“Huh?! What in the world’s going—?” Danny’s muscles had frozen, his breathing being the only sign of movement.
The world around him was fading away into a painting of reality. Then, washing away the colours as though someone threw water at a water coloured painting. The colours were smeared, dropping at a very slow pace, making him think if time were coming to a halt. Danny's breathing was slowing down as well, bringing him to a silent panic.
Danny manages to move his jaw to express his panicked anger to Sarah, gritting his teeth and building his eyes. Again he tries moving but to no luck, he couldn't.
Sarah snapped her fingers and it allowed Danny to move only his mouth muscles. “You can talk now, you piece of filth.”
Danny’s eyes were veiny, bulging harder, looking as if they were on the verge of popping out of their sockets from the unreeling rage he’s having.
“You-You bi...tch! What are you doing to m-me?!” said Danny, having trouble catching his angered breathing.
Sarah lets down her hair from the tied prison it was in and walks up to Danny who’s immobilised. “You bastard, you think you can hinge on your new ego and harass my friend Veronica—hurting her too!”
Sarah raising her tone made the environment swell like a sponge. The washed out colours sprung up, slapping against their birth place that were the building’s and anything else humanly made.
“You’re sadly mistaken, and for that I’m going to bind you, putting an end to this attitude of yours.” Sarah extends her arm out and walks forward.
Danny watched as Sarah came to him, feeling the air get heavier and heavier.
So… this is who you are—And what a true Witch is! Danny thought.
Stopping in front of him, Sarah raises her hand, aiming her palm close to his face. Danny laughed at her face, making Sarah more angrier than ever.
“Bwaha! You sne-sneaky bi...tch… bwahaha!” said Danny, laughing uncontrollably with crazy eyes.
“I don’t know how you figured out my identity and tried forcing it out of me and threatening to reveal it to everyone else, but! I’ll ensure you’ll never remember or harm any of us and who I am, ever.”
“That’s so rich, do as you please, this is hysterical for me, bwahaha!”
“Tch… I can’t understand how you knew I was a witch. How long have you known?! Bastard!”
Danny manically smirked. “Idiot! It was too easy to guess! But I have my own sources, so don’t worry about it! Just do your Witchery and let me go so I can get home and sleep, bitch!”
Sarah smacks her lips, “I’ve never liked you and now I understand why even Anna didn’t. You’re nothing but a lost cause, a damned loser who failed to attract the girl of his dreams, only to watch as she fell for your rival.”
Upon hearing that last thing she said, it struck a nerve on Danny so much it made him express the rage he had hiding deep within, turning him rabid.
Danny tried moving his arms so he could have his hands on Sarah, “Why-Why you! I’ll kill you, but I’d rather do more than that to the likes of you to be honest… like De-flower you bwahaha!”
Sarah slapped him with her other hand, echoing out her righteous anger within this weird abstract of reality. “You’re one sick twisted piece of shit! I’m going to enjoy this, you disgusting, revolting, treacherous pile of dog, shit!”
The slap Sarah had laid on Danny had him leaning his head to the side, he’s quiet but still expressing his anger from his teeth grinding.
Sarah closed her eyes and muttered her spell beneath her breath for a second but wanted to really get on Danny’s skin. She loved seeing him angry from the reality check that she reminded him of and thought of something that’ll really punch it to his face.
Sarah grinned and slapped him again in enjoyment. “And you know what’s sadder? Even after him being dead for a long time, she's finally trying to move on, yet she’s still in love with him. It’s too bad I can’t pity you, you disgusting lame vulture.”
When Danny looked back at Sarah, her eyes were showing wickedness, glowing mildly and showing a tint of blackened purple within the centre of them.
“Huh, your voice, it changed?!” said Danny, shocked.
“If it were up to me, I would have your life taken away, but alas, I’ll let myself decide that… right? Ahehe…”
Danny can’t figure out why Sarah’s voice changed to a more mature sound, but that still didn’t change his hate towards her. “Whatever! All I know is that once you do your spell… I hope you’re ready to meet the past because—” He chuckles sadistically and grins afterwards, “I sure wasn’t ready, in fact it almost cost me my life! But, someday, I’ll have my vengeance, and you guys will all be a part of it, so do your worst, Witch, bwahaha!”
Sarah blinked rapidly and raised an eyebrow. “ Huh, what—? Ah, nevermind and what are you talking about?”
Danny smiles and sighs, “Don’t worry about it! You all will witness it and when that day comes, I’ll be so happy!” He closes his eyes and gently expresses an open mouth smile, accepting his fate. “I can’t wait till it comes, and the look on your faces when it does happen will be the best thing to witness, ahh, what a life!”
Sarah grits her teeth in annoyance and returns to her original chant. “I bind thee, Danny, I bind thee to never bring harm to my friends! I bind thee, I bind thee!”
Her palm glows, expanding and forging around her body, outlining it in purple. Sarah closes her eyes and takes a short breath.
“Daniel Copeland!” Sarah slowly places her palm on his chest.
Sarah turned her frown into her own sadistic smile, one that showed Danny her enjoyment of torturing him.
“I bind thee!” said Sarah, mildly giggling with sadistic tendencies.
The glow on her palm turned red hot, exploding a huge flash of red light that spewed out to the world around them. Everything was consumed by the huge flash of hot light, forcing Sarah to cover her eyes. Danny on the other hand, endured his punishment and the light, leaving that smile on his face. He didn't seem to mind this abnormal occurrence and laughed one last time to get on Sarah’s nerves. The flash of light spiralled, and turned to white, engulfing the world in a flash of whiteness. Danny’s laughter transitioned to screaming and in seconds, everything settled down. Sarah with her palm up opened her eyes when she felt the heat fade and upon first glance, she was shocked. Danny had vanished.
“It-It worked, wow…” Sarah giggled and let out a moan of relief. “What happened to me when I was binding my spell on Danny, my persona changed in an instant, a wicked enjoyment and change of my attitude. Huh, I wonder if it’s a side effect from doing it.
Luckily, she knew what happened to him from what her mother had taught and explained to her. Although, Sarah wasn’t sure if it worked completely when she had her eyes closed the majority of the flash. She felt perplexed when she behaved differently in the moment that made Danny question her behaviour and confirm it with the stutter of his voice. She also wondered about different outcomes, one in which he somehow ran away at the last minute because he’s such a pathetic loser, hiding nearby in a trash can to jump scare and hurt her, or lastly, thinking she might’ve done more than just a harmless spell.
“Well, can’t say he’s dead or I would’ve felt his soul leave this earth. But, that’s that… Just gotta keep on living and see if it works. Thankfully I got mom's permission to do this, otherwise she would most likely punish me for manipulating our world.”
Knowing that her spell’s set she can rest assured knowing Danny won’t harm or harass her friends no longer. Whatever the outcome was, Sarah can finally be at peace with her mind and focus on the other abnormality bothering her brain, that being the mysterious apparition she encountered. Sarah walks out of the alley and into the street, tying her hair back up and makes her way to a nearby coffee shop, one that she loved. But on her way to the small coffee shop, another thought shot into her mind, rocking it. It’s the feeling when Anna wouldn’t awake from her weird long slumber. Sarah remembered in the past days she tried everything to figure out why Anna emitted such an awful sensation, the same one felt from not just the man, and more importantly, that girl.
Sarah stopped walking for a moment to reflect her thoughts. “Why did Anna forget about the last hour of our sleepover? I got to solve this mystery, otherwise whoever’s messing with her will most likely mess with Veronica and myself. Pray to mother earth I find this conclusion, don’t want to rely on mom too much and disturb her frequently.”
Sarah continued her walk to the coffee shop, arms crossed now, and went into a deep thinking process on the way there.
***
Jack has just arrived at the Detroit Medical centre. With his hands in his pockets, taking a glance around for a minute, Jack felt out of place from the rest of society. The people around him from business folks, regulars, casual tourists seeming lost, tiny dots of homeless at corners, it felt familiar. For Jack, seeing this side of society again and being isolated for three years, on the run for his life, and now being exposed to the world once again, it wasn’t correlating well with him. In fact it felt vexing, especially since he’s been exposed to the supernatural and knowing that it hides in the world's shadows.
“All this, it’s all… too much to be honest.” Jack felt extremely nervous, not sure on how Candy would react when he’ll finally reunite with his funny friend and his emotions running rampant.
“I-I need a moment…”
Jack decided to sit on one of the outside benches to ease his mind. The emotions inside him were telling him to go away, but his heart told him to confront the past. Another battle had begun from the ongoing war that started when he was just a child. Sitting alone, Jack stares at the people walking by and gazing at the tall buildings, remembering some old images of himself with his parents when they came downtown every now and then. The sun’s almost setting from the horizine, giving a smokey glow of orange to the skies, he admired the beauty and felt slightly at ease.
Jack took a deep breath and got up. “Let's do this…”
Jack walked and went up the hospital steps leading to the entrance and took a pause at the entrance. The young man gulped and proceeded inside through the electric slide doors, into the hospital with just enough confidence to confront the past. Approaching the front desk, there was no one in sight. Jack waited for someone to come so he can be let through without trouble or have potential security on him. He did not want a repetition of the past when he and Angela were escaping the hospital and was forced in his mind to take the life of a security guard to get out of harm's way. Just remembering that moment made the young man frown and moan with disappointment towards himself.
With no one coming, Jack backed off the desk. “Seems that I may have to wait for a little while.” He walked off to the waiting area to go take a seat.
Jack sits down on a couch and sets his bag down. Man, I can’t believe I’m here. He rests his arms on his knees, sighing. Hopefully you’re not screwing with me, Mallory.
Mallory’s unironically sitting next to Jack rocking side to side. “Nah I’m not, I already punished you so there’s no need for me to cause you anymore pain, and I definitely don’t wish to do that, it hurts me to do so, you know?”
Jack grew accustomed to her sudden appearances and didn’t get surprised as he usually does. “Oh hey, and jeez, you say that so casually, but whatever, at least I know this is all real.”
Mallory stopped her innocent movements, and looked at Jack. “Jack…”
Jack looked at her too when she said his name. “What?”
She appeared upset, and sucked her bottom lip to resist sadness. “You know what this means for me, right?”
Jack’s eyes glanced around in confusion, “Nope, not a clue.”
Mallory sighs and grins, “This means we won’t be together again, for a while.”
“Well that’s a relief I guess.”
Mallory pouts her face in sadness, but appears too adorable in Jack’s eyes. “Wow! You freaking jerk, hmph!” She crosses her arms with frustration, “Honestly… couldn’t you be just a little nicer to me?”
Jack lays back with his arms behind his head. “I thought I was already doing that? You’re selfish aren’t you?” Just as she’s about to respond, someone finally comes to the front desk.
“Were you waiting sir? I apologise, I was occupied with a pesky task, but I’m here for your assistance now.” she said with a smile.
Jack stands up and walks to the front desk, “Yeah, I’m looking for—”
She nods, “Yes, just go to floor fifteen room 222, that’s where they are located.
“And is a person with black hair there too? A very femine male to add.”
Her eyes exploded and she placed a single finger against her chin. “My word, she’s a he? Eh… that’s some pretty guy alright.”
“Yeah, sorry. But are they still there?”
She sighs but keeps her smile. “Yes, they are. Enjoy your visit Mr. Jack Samr.”
“Thank you, good day.” Jack walks away and makes his way to the elevators.
Getting there, the young man felt a swirl of emotions riling him up. He felt flustered, guitl, ashamed, sadness, and anger, telling him or pressuring him to confront or run away. Jack took a long breath and slapped himself to keep his composure.
Jack pressed the button to go to his destiny and waited. “This—is it…”
As Jack waited for the elevator to come, his heart began to race in nervousness and guilt again. Butterflies erupted, grumbling his stomach. He thought he was ready to confront the past he ran from, but it appears that he wasn't. Jack clenched his chest and closed his eyes, having second thoughts.
Should I… really do this… after all these years, should I? The elevator dings, and opens.
Jack stood still for a moment and gulped before entering. The anticipation made the young man ball his fists and shut his eyes.
“Enough Jack, stop feeling this way.” He released his emotions through his nostrils, heavily and proceeded forward into the metal chamber.
Jack pressed the button to the floor he’s destined to be on and the doors slid shut. Waiting inside the elevator to reach the floor felt vexing for Jack. The urgency to press the stop button and jump out on the next floor and run away was so tempting. But Jack couldn’t allow that, he’s gotten this far so it would be pathetic to do so.
The elevator stopped and opened the gates to the past. “Here we go, no turning back now.” Jack stepped out and glanced at each side of the hallway and saw the numbered room he’s supposed to go down to the right side hall.
Jack grunts to release some of those feelings of regret and walks, knowing he’s getting closer to face the final trip to this final burden.
His heart pumped even faster, his face sweated and his arms shaking, he wasn’t sure how to react. “Don’t wuss out Jack… you got this.”
After a small suspenseful walk, feeling the world around him fade in and out of black and white, his vision swirling, at last Jack arrives at the door, room 222. Jack scanned the door, his face turning worrisome and feeling the fear of his mistakes come into fruition. Every single ounce of emotions sprung in a sudden grunt. It was loud and left Jack in a shortened breath, he felt ready to explode. But the young man fought hard to combat them, letting them know he’s not ready to release them. Jack dragged his hand over his face and turned his face still, taking one last final breath.
This is it, and now all you have to do is… knock, Jack.
Staring at the door to his past, knowing that Candy’s on the other side, Jack gulps every bit of nervous intent he had left and slowly lifts his knuckles. Slowly, Jack’s knuckles approached the door, but he stopped himself to tap on it. He’s still hesitant and all those butterflies inside him were about to explode up out of his stomach and spew out his mouth.
“Ah, fuck…” Jack takes in some air, smacks his face, blows, and finally knocks.
With his eyes clenched, he waited for a response. Don’t back down, don’t back down, just wait, wait!
There’s no answer at first, making him squint his eyes harder, but as soon as he’s about to knock again, a familiar voice finally responds.
“Wh-Who’s there?” They seemed a little afraid now by the sound of their muffled voice behind the door. “Whoever it is! You better talk or I’ma bite your dick off! Didn’t I warn ya goofy booboo docs?!”
Jack opened his eyes and quietly chuckled. All that stress and nervousness faded away the moment he heard Candy’s voice, bringing him at ease.
“It’s… me, Candy.” said Jack in a relaxed tone.
“Me? Who the hell's me?! Anybody can be me, fool! I’m warning you! You better say who you say it is or I'll me, me inside you stranga!”
Jack laughed, and stopped. Hearing Candy be himself was enough to lift the burdens off his shoulders.
“It’s… Jack—you fruit pebble.”
Once Jack revealed who he was, there was a brief pause of silence. Sounds of operating machines in the background along with people yelling, crying in agony over lost loved ones, doctors, nurses communicating, Jack wasn’t sure how Candy would respond now. Then, Jack heard the door unlocking and saw the door knob twisting. Jack kept his poker face and waited, un-balling his fists. The door slowly opens and there he was, Jack’s old good friend Candy, though with a change in appearance. His hair is longer, bangs more to the side, having blue highlights, even wearing makeup to his late sisters liking. If Candy were to ask a random guy out, he’d fall victim to him from his convincing feminine looks that have gotten more troublesome throughout the years.
Both men stared at each other in the midst of the natural noises of the hospital. Candy’s face turned red in both anger and sadness, scrunching intensely to hold off his emotions. Jack grinned and looked over his shoulder to see the room mildly dark like his last visit.
Jack approached Candy, and said, “It’s been awhile, hasn’t it?” Candy’s left speechless with his eyes quivering as he slowly covers his mouth dramatically. “I know you’re mad at me, but I’ll let you punch me to make it up to you for abandoning the two of you.”
Candy’s eyes turning red with tears slowly coming out of their edges, he got out from the doorway, walked up to Jack and gently wrapped his arms around the young man. Before speaking, Candy whimpered softly and Jack usually would push him off but allowed his close friend to embrace him. It’s the least that Jack can do to reciprocate his friends feelings for leaving them.
“You-You fucking asshole…” said Candy as he rubbed his head on Jack's chest, “Why did you disappear? Leaving me all alone here you big dumbass!” Candy couldn’t help but cry his butt off, embarrassing Jack now.
A doctor and his assistant along with two folks nearby thought it was adorable thinking he was comforting his crying girlfriend. Jack felt their snooping gaze and glared in response, but they stayed watching. In the moment, Jack can’t act himself and allows it, letting out an aggravated sigh.
Jack scratches his head, but he smiles and pats Candy’s head. “I’m sorry buddy, I had my reasons, I’ll make it up to you.”
Candy steps back, wiping his face. “It’s okay. You being here boo boo is more than enough to make it up for me.”
“Oh by the way Candy, Eric said you’re a fruity ass pebble if I remember correctly.”
“Huh…?” Candy’s sad face turns to annoyance as he crosses his arms and sways his hip to the side. “Well you tell that oversized sexy gorilla he better watch his mouth or I’ll kiss him!”
Jack laughs and lets out a sigh of relief afterwards. “Man, I’m glad you’re still the same…”
“What makes you think that I’d change? You think running off with your dick between your thighs like a big ol panzie would be enough to change the likes of my wonderous attitude boo?! Psst, please sweety.”
“Yeah, I know. May I—come in? I need to do something and say something too.”
Candy smiles and pats Jack’s shoulder. “Of course big guy, take your time, I’ll wait out here while you do your thang.”
“Thank you as always Candy.” Jack walks inside the room and Candy closes the door behind Jack.
There’s barely any light in the room as he walked in, stepping around the corner to take a glimpse into the full room that had a big curtain, covering half of it. Just a small bit of the sunset shining through a tiny opening on the window curtains was all the light he had. Jack makes his way to the side of the curtain covering something and pushes it to the side, revealing a bed. There's a shadow lingering over it, and Jack pulls a chair to sit next to the bed.
Jack had a soft gentle grin on his face and seemed so relaxed, and grabbed someone's small pale hand and clenched it. “I’m sorry, I know you’re probably really upset with me… but I just couldn’t bear to see you like this.”
Jack caresses the tiny hand and stares at the person's face, lingered by the darkness that lurked. He wanted to shed tears but kept his relaxed state to embrace the moment of silent happiness. After another moment, Jack patted their head and rubbed their hand again.
“You have no idea how much I blame myself for that day… but knowing that you’ll someday wake up is more than enough to push me through life.”
Jack kisses their hand and closes his eyes, holding their softness to the edge of his face.
“I know you’ll wake up, and when that day comes… I promise to take you to school… Happy birthday, baby… sis.”
Angela’s hooked up to a breathing machine, Jack stood up from his seat to allow the sun to hit his sister for a little while so she could feel a sense of heated courage to awaken her from her current clumber. The sunset sets a sad glow of orange over her hair that’s grown long, spreaded all over her backside and edging out the bed, along with the rest of her body that’s grown too. The past Jack ran away from was not only from Mallory, but from his sister Angela, he couldn’t bear the feeling of guilt when that night happened and spent so many nights laying waste to his sorrow. Jack felt so hopeless that his sister ended up half dead and forced into a coma to save her life, making him feel completely at fault.
Then one day he had enough of staring, waiting, going days without eating, having to bear witness the guilt of his actions being rubbed and smeared on him on a daily basis, he snapped. On that day two years ago, he ran away from all this depression to rethink his mind, but even then, in those years of being chased by his enemies and hiding from his past has only made him more mentaly broken as a human being. Eric was forced to chase after the young man that day, leaving everything behind to bring him back to his senses. But both men ended up being stuck in a town where Dr. Cato quickly took action into his plans when Jack had a horrid mental breakdown.
Yet despite all that, going through a corridor of his emotions and finding the right one to express, Jack hadn’t given up on her. He knew deep down inside, she’ll wake up from her coma someday, giving him the courage to fight on and to see her face again. Before, the doctors told him that it was a slim chance she’d ever awake from such serious injuries, but he knew that wasn’t true knowing how much of a hard fighter she was. Thankfully one doctor, a strange one with spiky hair that sloped to the side, encouraged Jack and told him that she will awake when the time's right. It confused the young man at the time from his strange hair and mysterious eyes of cold blue, but the fact one doctor told him was more than enough for him to remember.
Jack stares out to the city skyline and closes the curtains but enough to still let the sunset shine on Angela’s pale skin. The young man walked back to his sister and leaned into Angela’s face, kissing her cheek to say goodbye. He stared at his unconscious sister and started breathing heavily, he’s about to break but resisted.
“Angela…” Before leaving, Jack remembered something.
He takes off his bag and brings out her figurines, placing them on the table in front of her, hoping she’ll wake up to spot them there. Jack saw the one she compared him to, the one figurine with the orange tracksuit and spiky hair. It made Jack chuckle beneath his breath and rub his cheek in humour.
Letting out heavy air, Jack walks away, looking back one last time to his sleeping sister. “Goodbye, I’ll see you again soon, Angela.”
Jack walks to the door and opens it, walking out of the room and looks at Candy before taking his full leave. Candy gave Jack a thumbs up and rubbed the young man's back to ease his emotions from how mildly red Jack’s eyes were.
Jack places his hand on Candy’s shoulder and grins. “Thank you… for everything, my friend.”
Candy, with a huge smile on his face, forgives Jack with another hug. “Jack, you know I wouldn’t let you down boo.” He lets off, placing both hands on his hips.
“I’ll be back to visit her more often and promise to be by her side the day she’ll finally awake from her coma. Trust me, I’m not leaving anyone ever again, I’ve learned my lesson…” Jack rubbed his stomach, smacking his lips. “...And it sucked.”
“Whatever you say big guy, I’ll see you later, okay.” Candy waves and walks back into the room, closing the door behind him.
Jack keeps his grin, walks off and looks back one last time to spot Mallory suddenly standing at the door with tears running down her face.
Jack walks up to her and looks into her eyes. “So, is this what you meant?”
Mallory smiles as she wipes an eye. “Yeah… the day you disappeared I forced myself out of her and went wild, but now that you’ve returned me to her, I won’t be able to do my wicked things or be by your side like I have these past couple of days.”
Jack raises a brow, “I don’t see the problem with that? So I’m assuming you won’t go back inside me until she wakes up, right?”
“Well not exactly, so long as you’re within city reach, I’ll be with you, even if it’ll be for a short time, but not like beside you, you know what I mean, jerk.”
Jack places his hand on her shoulder. “If I need help you’ll be there is what you’re saying?”
Mallory wipes both eyes, giggles, and hugs Jack. “That's right!” She lets go after a small embrace and begins to fade, “See you tomorrow, I guess?”
“We’ll see about that?” replied Jack as he pats her shoulder and walks away.
Mallory fades away and Jack finally walks in the elevator feeling relieved of everything. The burdens of his past confronted, solved, he felt at peace for once, though the thought of Dr. Cato came up again. He let out a deep sigh but continued grinning, feeling life might become better from now on, hopefully.
***
Meanwhile outside near the hospital's vicinity, Anna’s currently frustrated that nobody wanted to sign their signatures to help people with mental help from her project. She stood near the bottom steps, leading to the entrance to the hospital with her binder open. She kept trying to talk to people or get their attention to sign up, but it was hopeless. They would always give her the cold shoulder, some tried asking sexual acts, and the rest would taunt her just because it was a good deed.
“Ugh, I’m sick of people…” Anna sighs and almost feels the need to slam the binder on the ground with all the venting frustration she had.
But being the strong minded person she is, Anna wasn’t ready to give up yet.
You can do this Anna! The mentally ill are relying on you for their awareness, don’t give up, let's go!
Anna’s confident enough to know she’ll get all the signatures she needs to get her movement approved from the counsel. With her head straight and chest puffed out, she once again tried getting people to sign up. But yet again, in a matter of minutes, they ignored, walked, or even in some cases tried creeping up on her from behind to do devious actions. She warred those folks off while cursing the others in her mind because of her kindness.
Anna lowers her head again and lets out an aggravated sigh. Nevermind… this is hopeless!
Anna held the edges of the binder tightly, feeling the need to tear it in half. “Yeah I’m some genius all right; sheesh people are so rude downtown!”
She starts walking but a gust of wind blows some of the papers off of her binder.
“No! Ahh great, just my luck…!” With her mood worsened, Anna went up to some closeby papers and started picking them up with no one to aid her unintentional littering.
Jack’s already made his way outside of the hospital, standing at the top steps. “Well, time to see how the rest of the day goes.”
As Jack glances around, he spotted someone, notably a girl picking up papers on the street at the bottom of the steps, questioning if they were just being a hippie or they dropped their papers on their way to work.
Wonder if they’re a protester, whatever, guess I’ll help.
Jack walks down the stairs to help the person and makes it to the bottom. While the person grabbed more nearby, Jack spots one of the papers below his feet and picks it up.
The girl notices and briefly looks over her shoulder, seeing the tall individual basking in the sunset. “I’m-I’m sorry! It’s okay, I’ll pick it up.”
Jack heard her but decided to take a quick read and notice the paper's title labelled, “The real problem with America, Mental health… Huh? How relatable.” chuckled Jack.
Upon further inspecting it, he saw zero signatures on it, making him shake his head.
“Of course society is taking this issue lightly, here, I’ll be the first to sign this.” Jack pulled out a pen from his pocket, and signed his full name on it.
That should do it, maybe this might make her day since she looks like my age guessing by her outfit.
The girl gathered her papers, knees bent, and turned around with a frown and blowing out air. Once her gaze was set on the tall individual she saw him grinning without seeing him sign the paper in his hand. Letting out a sigh from seeing his grin, she thought he was making fun of the issue like everyone else.
Jack approached the girl with the paper in his hand. She grabbed the last of the papers, organised them in the binder, and stood back up.
Brushing some hair behind her ear, Anna looked up to the guy's face. “Sorry about—” The girl paused, and stared at Jack as he stared at her as well.
She had long blonde hair, glistening green eyes, and was beautiful. Jack observed her fully, the grungy styled outfit to her accessories and felt something familiar about her but couldn’t put his finger on it. Rather, Jack furrowed his brows, thinking even harder but to the girl it looked like he was glaring at her.
That didn’t stop Anna from doing her own observations too, noticing the scar on his cheek, his long brown messy hair, strange out of style outfit. But the thing that caught her eyes were his eyes, eyes so empty and cold like an iceberg. They were as brown as his hair yet as she stared deeper into them, you were caught in a void of nothingness from their dead nature.
This girl, she looks so damn familiar… it’s bringing back memories, gr but where?!
As the sun settled further down, bringing the glow to the edge of his broad shoulders and edge of her face, something shone around her neck. It caught Jack’s attention and upon first glance, it made the young man’s eyes shrink,
Wait… that necklace? Around her neck—it-it can’t—be?!
Jack stared at the necklace intensely, looking at the pendant and immediately gasped with shock from the familiar shape. There’s only two people he knew who wore that necklace, his mother and the very person who he gave it to back when he was just ten years old.
Jack slowly gave her back the paper with his face that mistakenly spoke anger to her, but in reality was in a shocked state. She swallowed, feeling he may attack her from how intense his stare was and took back the paper. She looked at the paper and spotted a signature, his signature in fact. And once she saw his name, the girl’s eyes were widening, and her jaw slowly dropped in utter shock.
Jack… Samr…? The girl gasped, the paper in her hand trembled as her glistening eyes set back at him.
The two stared into each other's eyes, their souls reaching out towards each other in the form of a faint afterimage of their childhood selfs. Their chains around Anna’s heart cracked once again, and a tear trickled down, off her face.
Jack…? Anna thought.
An image of Jack when he was a kid popped up out of his face. Then, a mirror of the two standing side by side made it more clear how similar the two were. Though this time, the difference between the two were the eyes, eyes that were once filled with life are nothing more than an abyss. She stutters something beneath her breath and drops her papers as her eyes begin leaking, causing them all to fall everywhere and fly around them. Anna’s tears drifted everywhere from a huge gust that blew away the papers, some of those tears landing on Jack’s face. It made Jack’s eyes explode. She leaped towards him, Jack left frozen with shock and wasn't paying attention to her action, the world around them slowing down; Jack’s having a flashback of the necklace that his mother gave to him, the very one he gave to, that being—
“Anna…” muttered Jack.
Anna leaps onto Jack and wraps her arms around him, crying her eyes out onto his chest. Jack could feel her overfilled sadness, joy, and at last, to her, relief. Jack came out of rewind and looked down to her and wrapped his arms around her. Anna cried loudly, letting out her emotions to tell the world just how relieved she was that her best friend had returned from the dead to reunite with her. Their childhood memories that were turning to black, now forging into colour, and putting behind the sorrow that dwelled within the two,
Jack held her tightly as his eyes rattled, and opened his mouth to say his late best friend's name, that being, “An-Anna…”