Born In Flames Read online

  “Ah, I see, I see,” she said, pulling me out of my thoughts, “yes that explains it. Well, go ahead and grab a new one and then meet me back here.” She patted my arm and then, swiping up a few menus, turned to some customers who had just walked through the door.

  A box in the back of the diner was packed with extra shirts, adorned with the infamous mahi-mahi. “Oh how I love to wear him day after day, greeting my potential paychecks with a chest full of ugly fish,” I said out loud with a giggle.

  The morning went by quickly and led straight into the hurried and moody lunch crowd. Susan moved me from hosting to waiting tables for the lunch hour so she could take a break. It was the distraction I needed to keep me from continually revisiting the bus incident. I gladly agreed.

  “Please,” she said, bracing my shoulders as she pleaded without dignity, “I need a smoke.”

  She needed not to smoke, but I wouldn’t tell her that. I figured her blood-shot eyes and washed out brown skin spoke for themselves. It’s not that I didn’t like Susan—I didn’t like to be touched by anyone that I wasn’t close to. So that narrowed it down to just about no one, except Fenn.

  “It’s cool, I’ve got it under control,” I reassured her, politely removing her wrinkly, sundamaged hands from my shoulders.

  “Good ‘cause look what the cat just drug in, or threw up,” she shuddered, motioning her head to the front door.

  Time stopped for a moment as dread spread throughout my body like a rapid disease.

  “This can’t be happening,” I said under my breath. It was the creepy guy from the bus. Was he following me?

  He seated himself in my section without waiting for a hostess to show him to a table. As soon as he sat down, his eyes shot to mine, the intensity of his gaze freezing my train of thought.

  Stop it, I thought to myself, trying to regain my composure, to not let fear dictate me. I straightened my apron and put confidence in my stride as I approached his table.

  “Good afternoon, sir, can I get you something to drink?” I asked, noticing the slight quiver to my voice.

  He opened his menu and took his time to glance over everything, never acknowledging my presence or the fact that I had just asked him a question. Rude, but somehow expected coming from him. A foreign burning rage began to build deep inside of me.

  “Would you like some coffee, water, maybe a glass of soda?” I gritted out, adding in my head, “maybe a lobotomy?” I squashed the smile that tried to form on my lips. That was a good one.

  He huffed at my suggestions with an air of smugness and flipped to the back of the menu. I rolled my eyes and saw the jean bookbag sitting on the floor next to his chair. The amulet popped into my head along with an urge to take the bag and run.

  I was just about to act when he looked up from the menu and said, “I’ll have a cup of coffee and some toast,” in a deep, almost philosophical voice. The one good attribute he seemed to have. His face looked unnerved as I blushed. I hoped I wasn’t as readable as I felt.

  Fenn always told me that I couldn’t hide my emotions, that everything I felt seemed to be written on my face. Apparently that was why I could never lie to him.

  “I’ll be right back with that,” I mumbled as I quickly walked away. I could feel his gaze searing my back.

  “Fenn, that guy from the bus is here,” I announced as I busted through the kitchen door.

  “Really? I guess he needs me to show him that he’s not going to play games with you,” he declared, untying his apron and heading towards the door.

  “No,” I rushed to him, handing him back his apron, even helping him tie it. “Maybe,” I paused, trying to decide if I really wanted to go there, “maybe it’s just a coincidence he’s here. And if it’s not a coincidence, then maybe I need to hear what Mr. Creepy has to say? I mean, I could be like,” I leaned in to whisper, “a demon or something.” I finished tying his apron and stepped back to face him.

  He laughed. “Rory, if you’re a demon then I’m rich and famous. Oh wait, that’s right…I’m not. And you’re not a demon. But I don’t think looking to ‘Mr. Creepy’ for answers is a good tactic. It’s dangerous and I don’t like it one bit. After the bus and your eyes…what if he hurts you? I will kill him if he lays one finger on you.”

  “Fenn,” I said condescendingly, trying to dissuade his intent, “reason with me…if he tries anything, anything at all, you’re within shouting distance. Okay?”

  He nodded in agreement as Susan burst through the door, bumping into me and knocking the prepared salad over.

  “Oh, sorry, Rory,” she said quickly, bending over and tossing the wasted lettuce into the garbage can. “I need you to pick up my shift tonight, if you don’t mind.” She looked panicked. The same look she always wore when she was thrown off her daily schedule.

  “Okay,” I said, suddenly seeing my way out of dealing with Mr. Creepy. She pulled me into a tight hug as I looked back at Fenn and smiled. He smiled back.

  “The babysitter, she’s…”

  “Sick again?” I said, finishing her sentence as relief washed over me.

  “Yes. I’ll cover for you right now so you can have a break before I leave.” Exactly what I wanted to happen. I told her every table’s order and pummeled out the back door. Fresh air never felt so good.

  Fenn and I spent most of our breaks out back sitting on upside down buckets. A lot of good theories and ideas were sprung here while looking at the distant ocean.

  I was relieved to not have to go back and face Mr. Creepy. Facing him meant facing whatever was wrong with me. What else, besides a demon or some kind of devil, could have red eyes like that? From touching a necklace?

  I picked up a dry twig that rested on the gravel and stared at it. I wanted to try and set it on fire with my mind, like I had so many times before. Too many times to count on my hands.

  But nothing happened as expected. It only worked when I was really angry, which was not convenient. I lost track of time as I sat there trying and trying again with nothing to show for.

  Fenn poked his head out the back door. “Break’s up, Rory.” I glanced down at my watch.

  “Dang it,” I muttered, snapping the twig in half and tossing it. I’d been out here for a good 45 minutes wasting time on a solitary dead limb. Thank goodness nobody was here to witness my futile attempts.

  Then my stomach went sour. Hopefully Mr. Creepy would be long gone by now. He certainly had plenty of time for coffee and toast.

  Susan was sitting on a crate, impatiently tapping her foot when I came back inside. “Sorry,” I shrugged as I took the orders from her and left the kitchen.

  I stumbled forward when I saw Mr. Creepy still sitting at the table. Our eyes met and then I looked away.

  Oh well, if he wants to hang here, so be it. I would just give that table to someone else. And with coming to that decision, the afternoon rolled into the bustling night smoothly. He stayed at his table, watching me. I could feel his gaze on my every move, but I did my best to ignore him.

  Fenn periodically poked his head out through the kitchen doors, checking on me, and giving me some reassurance. Before I knew it, we were locking the doors. Closing was the easiest part of the job.

  But not tonight.

  As I walked Mr. Creepy to the door and went to lock it behind him, his arm shot out and grabbed onto my wrist in a sumo death grip. The pupils to his eyes went white, churning the building fear in my stomach. His grip tightened. And then he spoke: “Of dragon born, a conqueror prevails. The chosen one fated to protect the dying race. Third of three deemed protector to the progeny. The other marked for revenge. The book of life pages turn yet unwritten. The canvas to your mortal soul. The connection to your immortal enemy. A death will come to He that breaks the barrier.”

  A flash of white so bright it nearly blinded me shone through his eyes while he spoke, and then he blinked them back to normal. That sound of his voice, the sound of a thousand voices speaking through one, resounded in my head.

/>   “Let GO of me!” I yelled. Fenn was already behind me, circling his arm around my waist and yanking the guys grip off of me. He shoved the guy back, moving to close the door, but I stopped him, my heart beating wildly against my chest.

  “Don’t,” I cried out, shoving Fenn out of the way as I rushed to face Mr. Creepy again. A better time to get answers couldn’t have slapped me in the face any harder.

  “Who are you?” I asked, breath rushing out of me while holding the door open. Mr. Creepy stood still, eyes unmoving.

  “Rory, get back, he’s dangerous. Didn’t you see what just happened? Don’t do this,” Fenn pleaded. I jerked my head around to face him, scrunching my eyes in annoyance, and said, “Just give me a minute.”

  He huffed and then stepped back, clearly angry with me.

  I turned to Mr. Creepy. “You can’t just waltz in here, stalk me all day, then go all prophet on me and not explain who you are and why you are doing this to me.” I grabbed his pasty arm and pulled him back into the restaurant. Everyone had left so I figured this was the best place to confront him. “So again I ask, who are you?”

  I crossed my arms and waited, impatiently tapping my foot as the silent seconds seemed to drag on forever.

  His chest puffed up pridefully. “I am the answer to your questions.” He stuck his chin out. “And here you stand so defiant and demanding answers while you should be questioning who you are.”

  I stepped back towards Fenn, seeking that protected feeling he always gave off, as the reality of what Mr. Creepy had said hit home.

  “Why do you think I stopped you?” My eyes fell to the floor. “Obviously because I do question who I am,” I rushed out. “Instead of mocking me, why don’t you try explaining? The pendant…your eyes…my eyes…my strange abilities with fire. Why is all of this happening?” I asked boldly.

  “Because you are the progeny, the chosen one,” he answered, pausing to let it sink in.

  I took a step back.

  “The progeny? To what? What am I chosen for?”

  “Did you not hear a word I said to you, girl?” he asked, annoyed. “I foretold the prophecy to you. Did you not listen?”

  I frowned. “I did listen. It sounded like a lot of mumbo jumbo to me,” I mumbled.

  His face distorted as if I had insulted him. “Mumbo jumbo?” he repeated, sounding as if the words he had just said were curses. “I foretell a prophecy that declares you as a savior, and you insult me in return?”

  “Look, I’m not trying to insult you, I’m just trying to understand,” I admitted, hoping that he’d show some sympathy.

  He huffed and then rolled his eyes. “First, you have to find the keys in order to return home. The rest of the answers lie within the prophecy.”

  It was like hearing Pig Latin. “What keys? This can’t be real. This can’t be happening,” I said under my breath. I suddenly felt my world shifting and crumbling beneath me. Everything that I have ever known…

  Fenn tugged on my hand, startling me. “The chosen one? Really? What kind of rubbish is this? Aurora, seriously, you’re really going to listen to this guy?” His voice was disapproving.

  A low-bellied laugh came from Mr. Creepy. “You think you are excluded from this boy? Have you not also questioned who you are? How naïve.” He looked Fenn over with a patronizing stare.

  Fenn’s fists clenched as his eyes narrowed into slits. “What are you even talking about?” The confidence in his voice was gone.

  I looked at my friend through new eyes. All these years, I had only thought of me and my weirdness. We had only discussed my incidents. Stuff was happening to him too? I didn’t know if I should be hurt that he didn’t confide in me or pleased that I wasn’t alone.

  “Fenn?” I asked, disbelief coloring my tone.

  “Ahhh…so you haven’t told the progeny then, have you?” Mr. Creepy asked smugly.

  “That’s none of your business,” Fenn retorted. “And since you think you know so much then tell me who I am.” He ignored my stare and the fact that he had just been called out.

  Mr. Creepy didn’t hesitate. “You are third of three deemed protector to the progeny. Do not look at me and tell me you have not felt your magic stir within you.”

  Fenn shook his head as if trying to take it all in. I just continued staring at him open-mouthed.

  “What? You both have nothing more to say? No smart remarks? And to think I gave everything up for this. For a progeny who doesn’t even believe in her own destiny? For a boy who dares to question me? He told me you would know, assured me that my sacrifice would be worth the price,” Mr. Creepy ranted, anger rising in his voice. “You are mere children. You know nothing. Instead you cower at the truth. How can you save us when you can’t even accept what has always been right in front of you?” He was now yelling at the top of his lungs while pacing to and fro. Crackles of bright white energy popped around him sporadically.

  “But you can help us, right?” I spoke up, so shaken by everything that I felt obligated to try and accept what he was saying.

  He stopped mid-stride and said, “Only if you are ready to accept the truth.” The sparks fizzled out like a sparkler.

  Fenn’s head was still shaking as if trying to undo all that had been said. I laid my hand on his chest.

  “Fenn?” He looked down at me, eyes intently searching mine. “I know finding each other’s parents was the plan, but what if this is the right way to go?”

  He looked away, his lips forming into a hard line. He didn’t want me to push the issue. But I kept on. “My ‘incidents’ can’t be coincidence. And you…he said you’re a part of this too.” I leaned in to him, catching his gaze. “As much as I want to deny this, it feels right. You know?”

  I felt Fenn give in to me. A smile formed at the corner of my lips. He leaned his head forward, resting it against mine.

  Then, out of the corner of my eye I saw Mr. Creepy move, his hands once again glowing that eerie white glow as they moved towards where Fenn and I stood.

  “He said to let you choose, but you have no choice,” he began, his voice low and cold. “You need to know the truth. This should’ve been done long ago.” Fenn shoved me out of the way and tackled Mr. Creepy, slamming his body onto a table.

  “I may be a freak like you and have whatever that,” Fenn pointed to Mr. Creepy’s glowing hand, “is, but I bet I’m much stronger than you.” His hand was around Mr. Creepy’s throat, pinning him against the table. He held him there for a moment, daring him to try something else. Mr. Creepy didn’t fight back.

  When Fenn let up, Mr. Creepy stood and straightened his clothes. He went to take a step in my direction, but Fenn pushed him back once again. His face was rigid. “Don’t try it, buddy,” he threatened, his tone livid.

  Mr. Creepy shook his head. “Fools. You are both fools and will die fools,” he declared, and then stalked off towards the door.

  “Wait,” I called out, but Fenn stopped me, pulling me back and walking me away from the door.

  I needed to see, needed to watch the answer to all my questions walk away. I peered over Fenn’s shoulder and found the eyes of the man searing into mine.

  I tightened my grip around Fenn, pushing a little harder on my tip-toes to get a better view as Mr. Creepy backed up slowly, shadows creeping up from the ground to his feet. They moved up his legs and then covered his chest, leaving the whites of his eyes as the last image I had of him burned into my brain.

  “A death will come to He that breaks the barrier.” The last line of the prophecy Mr. Creepy just gave replayed through my mind like a haunting tune as he disappeared.

  If any of what he had said was true…I shook my head. It wouldn’t help to worry, it’s not like I’d ever get a chance to find a way to keep death away now that Mr. Creepy was gone.

  I laid my head on Fenn’s shoulder, scared. Scared of what was to come. Scared of what he had said and what he had done and, most of all, scared of what I was.

  “Hopefully we’ll ne
ver see him again,” Fenn said curtly. He slowly let go of me, moving to stack the rest of the chairs.

  “Hopefully?” I asked severely. “Fenn, you just ruined any chance we had at finding out exactly what we are. You know, since you conveniently forgot to clue me in on the energy you feel flowing through you,” I said in a disparaging tone. I wanted him to hear the hurt in my voice.

  He stiffened, keeping his back to me as he spoke through a low voice. “You don’t know what you’re talking about and neither did he.” He turned to face me. “I don’t feel anything,” he finished with heavy emphasis.

  But he didn’t look at me when he said it, something he only does when he’s lying.

  I felt my face go hot with fury. He still chooses to lie to me? My palms tingled with an urge to slap him.

  “Well, whether you lie to me and yourself or not, it’s real, and it was right there, in our faces, and you ruined it.” I looked away, deliberately.

  “No, Rory, you’re wrong. I saved us,” he said firmly, his eyes blazing. “We don’t even know who that lunatic is. I mean, if you want to believe him so bad, then did you ever consider that he could be from the wrong side of wherever we’re from? He could’ve killed you.” He slammed the chairs as he stacked them, struggling to control his anger.

  “Well, I guess we’ll never find out now, will we? Thanks for that,” I threw back at him sarcastically.

  “You’re welcome,” he replied bitterly, untying his apron and throwing it in a bundle on the ground. He stormed off towards the kitchen, probably to clock us out.

  I watched him through a haze, seeing him but not really watching him as my mind began to tumble in what had just happened.

  I inhaled, dragging in a deep breath, pulling the air through my body as if it would wash away the fear and uncertainty of the situation. It felt good, that deep breath, but it didn’t change anything.

  I knew Fenn didn’t want to take any serious thought to that guy’s words, but something in me couldn’t ignore them. They related to all the other crazy things that had happened to me. And the magic that guy used was undeniable.