POV: Jessica Black

First period, second period, lunch, dismissal, and then extra classes.

The same routine every day. Now we sat in front of the school deciding on what to do with our daily allotted freedom.

“Alright team, suggestions,” XK ordered.

“How about the arcade?” Frank popped up.

“If I have to put up with Adrian gloating about one more time, I will make it your problem, Frank.” I snapped back.

“Oh come on, Adrian isn't that-”

“Shut it.” I lit a cigarette, “Pick something else.”

“We can go to the theater.” Vladimir offered through a yawn, “They're running a marathon of that Russian show they’re making a movie for. My family is so excited for that.”

“Is it translated into English?” Sara asked.

“Umm… I think it has subtitles.” Vlad awkwardly scratched his chin.

“I don't feel like reading a show.” XK shrugged, “Sorry Vlad.”

“How about proper reading at the library?” Harrick offered.

“Oh yes. More book learning.” I mock-waved my cigarette in the air, “Yippee.”

“She got you there.” Frank agreed with me and Harrick scowled.

“How about the mall?” Sara chimed out, “The mall is always fun!”

“Who here has spending money?” XK asked, not raising his own hand. No one else raised a hand either.

Sara deflated and we were left in a silence until Jesse chimed, “How much is the Russian showing?”

“The reruns are free to watch,” Vlad answered and we begrudgingly started to our agreed activity.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

The Big Picture House wasn't crowded, but it felt fuller by the presence of the many ludoyashay enjoying the showing of the Russian series. The big room was charged half price, but the side was free and we made our way to a mostly empty room with a somewhat grainy picture and scratchy sound. An experience that would have been annoying if not for, as backward as it sounds, two college-age kids making out in the front row. I guess it puts things in perspective. We were just the backdrop to their story sitting here trying to follow the plot of the Russian drama. A survival tale of a village surrounded by wolves and witches. A fantastic synopsis of an incredibly dull show.

The series was so slow I wasn't the slightest bit shocked when the sounds of snoring came from behind us.

“Babe. You're missing the show.” A girl said waking the snoring man who sheepishly apologized.

“I'm sorry, Sugar Queen. I'm just lacking in zee's at the moment.” The man yawned and Frank stood up recognizing them.

“Yo! Tessa. Grease-Do. How yall been?” Frank reached over to shake hands. We then went around introducing everyone to everyone else.

“Nice to meet ya, dorks.” Grease-Do said through a yawn, “How are those gay dorks doing?”

“Good. They're still together.” Frank answered, “You ain't sleeping well?”

“Nah. Been having this crazy bad nightmare for a week.” Grease-Do explained, “I'm just standing in a dark void and then this thing starts attacking me. Like a squid made of shark teeth or something.”

Vlad shifted in his seat, “And then if you run you start going through places that keep getting smaller and smaller until you're cornered.”

“Yeah, I can’t fight back because-”

“It just rips you apart.” Vlad finished and we stared between them.

“Something you want to share, Vlady?” XK said.

“Yeah, I think I'm having the same nightmare. So is a cousin of mine.”

“Do you think there's a connection?” Frank asked.

“It would explain the dip in your power level, Vlad,” XK said.

“What?” Vlad said with all of our shock, “What dip? Why didn’t you say anything?”

XK shrugged, “Didn’t think it was a big deal. Far as I know ludoyashay get weaker in the winter.”

“We don’t.” Vlad scowled, “But I haven’t really noticed any difference.”

“Well, you’re beaucoup tough.” Frank noted, “Maybe you’re just shrugging off whatever is happening.”

“Maybe.” Vlad nodded, “either way, let’s keep our ears out for anything noteworthy.”

“Hey!” The man in the front shouted, “Do you guys mind?”

“Eh! Shut the hell up!” Grease Do jumped up and yelled, “Not like yall are even watching the show!”

“But we are!” The ludoyashay turned around to shout up.

Grease Do gave a mean look. The lizard men gave meaner looks. Grease Do sat down and we returned to the show.

I leaned back in my seat and tried to just listen to the dialogue. I knew enough Russian and the show spoke slow enough that it would be good practice.