We're the Johnsons's
Posted: Sunday, April 27, 2008
by David Slorski
James was like any other teenager. Yet he was lonely. His own exile sunk so deep into him that it pulsed through his veins. He had gotten used to it. Not in the sense that he didn't mind it but more like he tolerated it. But it was powerful. So powerful that the loneliness had become another person. Whenever he thought about it he could always rely on getting a laugh, that his own loneliness was his only friend.
Then there was Terry. He had always been different. But now he was barely ever nice. He always drifted around and smiled never kindly but cynically. The neighborhood bad boy wasn't enough. He wore tattered white trash clothes, but acted like New York royalty even though they were in deep Georgia. He was around Sam a lot but whenever that was it always meant trouble. He was a charmer, a sinner, and a tough guy wrapped in a red and blue squared sleeveless shirt over a white tank top.
Martin was the dream child of every family. Mom and dad respected his success and independence but above all, they were proud of him. He only lived to please them, so when they were gone he was lost. Yet he was the oldest he had to take care of the family. He did that but he never could replace mom and dad. He could cut his hair like dad, and use the cleaver epigrams mom was infamous for but he was never mom and dad. When the left a piece of him left also.
Finally there was Samantha. She was the punk-ass, bird flipping, hair dying, body piercing, rebel girl that no one could forget. She always talked about this time being a new generation a new time, with new morals and new people. But then they left. She changed. She wore a dress for the first time in her life to their funeral. Even though she ripped it she meant good. I guess she always just wanted their approval but showed it in her odd way. Then after they left she wasn't the same. She hated everything and knew the only place she really belonged was with her family that she always rebelled against. They kept the house that used to be filled with so much joy. Even though now the house was saddened. The paint that had survived through hundreds of hailstorms started to fade and flake off the walls. It was as if the house was even crying. These were sad times.
November
It was cold. The snow was light this year but they were alone together, which made each flake icier and each wind harder. It was 7:12 in the morning and Martin was making breakfast. He of coarse wouldn't eat it; he had James be his culinary test rat.
"Here you go ham, eggs, bacon, and toast." Martin said as he handed James a picture perfect platter of breakfast goodies. James took a mote of breadcrumbs from the toast and a nibble from the bacon.
"This tastes horrible." James muttered.
"I know you don't like it but we were invited to the Nicholson's tonight. You have to at least try to eat this food." Martin uttered in response.
By this time of day Sam and Terry were already out making trouble for the world or in bed resting from an extremely interesting night. Neither of them knew, but it had become so retinue that it didn't matter to either of them.
"I feel sick" James mumbled
"You have to go to school. We both know you aren't sick so you have to go to school."
"You don't get it. I don't fit in there."
"Oh and I fit in at my job paying for this family? Look we both know we don't fit in but we have to at least pretend we are normal."
"But you don't have to"
"I don't care you are going to school" Martin interrupted.
"Fine have it your way!" James stormed out grabbing his backpack and slamming the door.
"Poor kid" Martin thought. An alarm buzzed catching Martin's attention prompting him to unlock a door in a garage and head down into the basement. He was met with screams and cries. This time the chloroform didn't work as well as it should have. Two figures were hanging from chains anchored to the ceiling both shrouded and obscured in the darkness of the dimly lit basement. Only one of them was awake and yelling.
"Shhhh, it's all going to be over soon." Terry said gently
"Why'd you take us here! Where are we!?" cried the awake captive.
"It's going to be over soon, just be quiet." Terry instructed
"You bastard! Where are we?! Why are you doing this?!?"
"We are good people. This won't hurt just let me give you this." Terry lifted up a needle and moved close to the prisoners. The awake captive savagely struggled but was too tired from screaming all night to do anything more than shake slightly. As Terry lifted the needle she spit in his face.
"You're a monster!!!" she shouted. Terry moved back slightly surprised by it. After getting his composure he wiped the spit from his face and tightly gripped the syringe. A crack ran down the syringe and the glass creaked.
"We are good people," Terry said calmly. Suddenly he rushed in inhuman strength and rammed her abdomen with his elbow. Her scream was muffled with her own blood. Terry regained his calm composure again and unlocked the chains letting her drop to the ground. He kept repeating, "We are good people" all the time while he dragged her to a hole in the ground covered by a heavy metal plate. With one heave he almost tore the metal cover from the ground making the steel locks crumple. There was a room down there but black blobs in her vision blocked all she could see. He lifted her face to his and repeated the phrase one more time before dropping her the fifteen feet to the hard dirt floor in the room below. He put the plate back on and pushed a box on top partially to make up for the locks but more to block out the screams that came. As the shrieks rang out he injected the other prisoner and took him over and restrained him to a table. He inserted another needle into a vein on his arm almost professionally. A red liquid ran through the needle and into a bag. Finally the screams died out and Terry left the room locking the door behind him.
"Damn, I'm going to have to get more locks" was the only thing he thought as he left the garage and headed to work.
Part Two
James made the same drab trek to school that he did every day. It has a path of solitary that he had embedded into his mind. He knew exactly the number of steps and their timing, yet he pretended not to. Might as well act surprised by the reality, was his simple philosophy. Yet at step 1459 at about 7:15 there was a difference in his everyday journey. Normally he would wear a black hoodie that kept his face hidden and blended into his worn dark pants. Basically he was a lingering image of night. Of coarse this would make him extremely visible in the white November morning. It may have been the fact that he was more visible or it could've been fate maybe it was just something else. Yet no matter the reason it happened. As I said at step 1459 at about 7:15 when he was just about to take another step he spied a pair of feet start to walk along side his. He thought it was just someone else and they would be gone soon but when they didn't he decided to speed up. They followed. He slowed his pace; they followed. The shoes were feminine and black, causing him to doubt even more that someone was following him especially a female. Finally as his last resort he looked up. To his absolute surprise there really was a girl walking next to him. She was looking straight ahead clutching a few books close to her chest with a red complexion on her face. Her long jet-black hair stood out in front of the white background, in fact all of her features looked concrete and definite against the wintry landscape. She was a few inches shorter than him and was dressed in a black jacket that covered her neck to her knees. Ironically James tried to take in every little detail about her, each inch each centimeter of her frame to the extent that he lost track of his steps for the first time. This of coarse led to him running straight into a pole. The collision caught him by surprise pushing him onto his back and into the snow. The girl gave out a soft giggle and walked over to where he laid in the snow.
"What the hell are you laughing at?" James barked
"Well you." Replied the girl
"Everyone falls down, so what's so funny about me falling down?"
"Well not everyone runs straight into a pole"
"Shut up"
"I'm Taki," the girl said while outstretching her hand to help him up.
"I'm James" James said as he took her hand to got up out of the snow.
"Nice to meet you" Taki said with a cherry smile
"Yeah, nice to meet you too. Its not every day that you meet a stalker" James said
"Hey, I wasn't stalking you! I just thought since you didn't have anyone to walk with I might as well walk with you. You sure have an odd way of thanking people," Taki said as they continued to walk
"Thanks, I guess. Well I really don't know you, so why don't you break the ice?" James offered. Taki laughed again and told him about herself. She kept on talking until James arrived at school. Even though it was the same route, the same amount of steps, everything was the same except for her; James was smiling when he reached school. It was a one-time occurrence since mom and dad died.
"I have to go to class now so see you after school" James said
"Um. We have the same classes together; you even sit next to me in sixth, third and first." Taki admitted
"Oh, sorry, um, I don't pay much in class" James said flustered
"What are you waiting for? School is going to start soon!" Taki said as she grabbed his hand and pulled him through the building to their first period. James blushed and rooted himself having her comically run in place.
"Call me Limdo" James said
"Ok, Limdo, but who ever you are we have to get to class" Taki said as she finally pulled Limdo along.
The day passed for James as it usually did, but this time he was happy. It was just the same exact as every other day, but he was aware of someone. The lessons weren't the mundane babble that was often so dripped from the demagogues of pedagogues' mouths. They were time periods to which he could think about something he cared about. It was a strange feeling though. Mostly because it was alien to him, or at least forgotten. He found it odd that he actually cared what she thought of him, and even odder that he even acted differently. Unfortunately all he had was his thoughts, his theories, and his fears. Now his loneliness wasn't alone. The bell chimed and the torrent of students trying to escape started. James stayed behind and gathered his books in the withered black bag he called his backpack. There was a light tap on his shoulder prompting him to look up and see Taki's face a mere inches from his. James was caught by surprise causing him start back and almost trip over his chair.
"Great my stalker is back." James said sarcastically
"Whatever, Limdo, lets just head home." Taki said
"Wa…what do you mean?"
"You know home? It's a four letter word that is synonymous to house. And we are going to go to our own ones respectively." Taki continued
"I'm not that stupid, only close to it. I am just a bit surprised that well you want to go home together, with me."
"Yeah you are right, you are close that that stupid. Come on, let's get going." Taki said as she pulled James through the war ground that was high school at 3:00. Through the explosion of papers, the flinging of pencils, and the spontaneous tackle of random people by random others in the desperate war to get out of the building was all very new to James. Yet it seamed like it was Taki's home. She knew maneuvers that only a veteran could even comprehend. Of coarse James could barely keep up and found himself dragged half the time but somehow he smiled. By the time they arrived outside, they had suffered only minor injuries from an unexpected binder. But they survived. They could only look at each other and laugh. They walked home together for the first time and talked. Just talked, it ranged from politics to simple frivolous conversation and teasing. James was so distracted that he didn't notice where he was going and comically ran into another post. They both laughed and continued on their way. Yet James directional ignorance fooled him again. He didn't notice that Taki was leading him along the same rout that he used to return home, until she stopped at a house a quarter of a mile from his own.
"Wait you live here?" James asked confused
"Yeah, I thought you knew." Taki replied
"But it says this is the Grotski residence on that post." James said while pointing
"Yeah they are my foster parents." Taki said
"Oh…sorry. But wait, are you…never mind. See you." James said as he ran off.
He was clutched by the irony of it all.
Part 3
James held his house key in shaking hands. His movements came in convulsions as he tried to insert the teeth into the hole. Finally after many vain attempts and new scratches on the lock, the door was open. Before the door could close behind him, James was barricaded in his room. His room was conveniently located next to the furnace that always roared and moaned at the most opportune times. It was freezing in the winter and scorching in the summer, and cramped year round. The walls were covered in books and the ceiling was a collage of maps. There was a blanket and an old pillow in the corner, which was generously called a bed. Today he enclosed himself in a cocoon made of his blanket. He thought. He vainly thought. He knew that he was going to go out and eat dinner with the Grotski's as the end result yet what was going to happen between now and then was a complete mystery. For the first time since Mom and Dad left, the house would have outsiders. All because Terry got drunk, smashed, wasted or stoned and decided that it would be fun to almost destroy a local shop. He never really liked Terry but now he knew that he didn't have a single positive thought about him. Then through all his thoughts of confusion and loathing, he saw a book bound by red leather sitting on a pile of old books. The words "Simply a Note Book" were scrawled on the front in a deeper crimson. Surely he would've noticed such an odd and out of place book. This fact ravaged his curiosity. Reaching out and grabbing it, he noticed a lock. This lock was strange and complex yet small. It had three needle-sized holes with odd designs written around them, each placed an equal distance from the others making a triangle. They were small yet intricate. James quickly snatched a magnifying glass that confidently lay near him and gazed at the lock. The swirling lines and shapes all twisted together in the center where an indentation the shape of a circle lay. Slowly James moved a shaking hand across the lock feeling the grooves under his fingers. Just before he touched the indentation he heard the chime of the bell. It was the Grotski's. James threw a side the book escaping the trance that engulfed him and headed to the door. The night and so much more had started
Mr. Grotski was a short stubby and fat man with a halo of white hair surrounding his bald dome of a head. His face was cherry and decorated with a few wrinkles. If he had white whiskers he could've easily been thought of as Santa Claus. Yet he had no whiskers and his clothes were a green sweater vest and tan dress pants. So the fellow was just a large jolly owner of a local pawnshop. He was kind to everyone despite his old age of 86. And was known through the town as the Jolly Grotski.
Madam Grotski was almost completely different in stature. She was tall thin and bony and her hair was a whitened brown that was pulled back into a bun clearly showing the widow's V on her forehead. Her long narrow face was stretched and pulled with a long nose pointing from her face. She was garbed in black dress making her look menacing and dark. Her voice was fast and slithered from her tongue. As her husband had a nickname she did too. The Spider Lady was the most common of them all.
No one knew how they got married or even how the met. They were just known as the oddest couple. They had no children of their own and no one inquired or even wanted to know why so they adopted Taki and raised her. Not much is known about the Grotski's, not much at all. Even Sam knew little about them with her limitless connections and gossips throughout the town. The Jolly Grotski and the Spider Lady and the girl they raised were welcomed into the home of the Johnson's.
James made the basic observations of as the three stepped through the thresh hold on after the other in a small procession. First the Madam, then the Mr, and finally Taki entered the house. James knew what was coming and still he felt surprised when he saw her. Taki's eyes met his and a small cherry smile ran across her face. While James's face turned a bright ruby.
"Oh so this is where you live, stalki" Taki said to James after Terry Sam and Martin started to show the Grotski's around.
"Yes, it is. Now please..just... go.." James said flustered confused and unprepared
"Nope, I think I rather have you show me around. I rather have you show me this place then that phychop-"
"Terry?"
"So thats his name. I would think someone that threw a hammer at the shop would never be live with a quiet guy like you. But still the other one looks so uptight. I wonder how far that rod is stuck up his as-"
"Martin"
"Oh yeah and then there is that one girl. I wouldn't be surprised if she just kicked down a table and start to scream.. So unstabl-"
"That's Sam, my sister. The others are my brothers" James said before she could complete her third monologue.
"Oh, I'm sorry. They are...are.. very nice..looking people." Take said embarrassed
"If I didn't want you to I would've stopped you but you are dead on." James said as he stifled a laugh.
"Meanie" Taki quickly sputtered
"Oh come on. What did I do to, ouch! What did you do that for?!" James said as he was suddenly caught by surprise by a light rap on the head.
"Silly." Taki said as she stuck out the tip of her tongue.
"Hey you kids stop messing around and get in here." A loud masculine voiced yelled
"That's the hammer throwing psychopath, lets hurry." James said as he led her to the dinning room
The Dinning room was rarely used in the Johnson house and only on occasions. This just happened to be the one of the few circumstances that the room was used. It was a medium sized room holding a fine table and walls draped with green wallpaper. There was the occasional picture of a landscape, one here of a pond another over there showing a mountain. The table was old and smelled of old wood. It too was draped with a green. It all was very normal. Normal sized. Normal decorations. Normal everything. The Grotski's took the three seats set out for them at the end while the four others sat at the other end. Going from 12 o'clock clock wise you have The Spider Lady, Jolly Grotski, Taki, James, Sam, Martin then Terry all perfect just like a normal dinner party. After some small talk by Martin (mostly apologies and slight negotiation) the first serving was brought out. Three delicate salads where placed in front of the guessed. Now the only oddity was that the Johnson's did par take in this coarse. The Grotski's noticed but didn't seam to care. The second then the main and then dessert all came in only three portions. The Spider always just picked and prodded the food as if it was poisoned. Mr. Grotski gobbled pleasantly and healthily while Taki carefully cut and ate small amounts. Finally dinner was over and Terry and Sam left the room and headed out in a wild blast and left with the roar of motors.
"James you are dismissed." Martin said professionally
"Taki you go too, we have business to take care of" Mr. Grotski said
Blushing James took her hand and started the tour. He didn't make it a second after he showed her the door to his room before she grabbed his hand and rushed in. James was befuddled and embarrassed as Taki examined and excavated the place. He wanted to say stop but he just couldn't. Finally she picked up the red book and gazed locked in a trance as well.
"What's this?" Taki curiously inquired
"Oh I..I think it's an old notebook but you see I can't open it because of that lock" James replied.
"Its too dark here, lets take it up into the light." And before James could do anything again he was lead along up stairs against his will. As they crossed the threshold where the debates took place they heard the words "compensation" "lawsuits" and "sue". Both became shocked and stopped, looking in to see a composed Martin looking at a piece of paper the Grotski's held out in their hands.
"Five thousand Dollars cash. That will start to cover the damages, then we want three thousand more for the merchandise. And the-" Mr. Grotski suddenly stopped and spied the book Taki held in her hands. His eyes widened and fell dull. He was entranced in it.
"I want that book." Mr. Grotski said dazed
"Nothing else?" Martin said quickly taking control of the situation
"Nothing just give me that book" He rushed over and grabbed the book. Stroking it and feeling each part, mesmerized by every little inch of it. He ran his fingers over the lock and then started to scratch the indentation. Suddenly his body jolted back. His spine looked as if it was a jolting snake. Every inch of his frame trembled and moved in an inhuman fashion. Then suddenly it stopped. This attack was only visible for a few second but everyone was still extremely shocked and worried, except for Martin. He just bridged his fingers and yawned.
"Now sir, I hope you enjoyed your dinner. I'm sure James can show you to the door. Thank you and have a good night." Martin said with a sly smile.
"Yes…yes of coarse home.. Good night to your sir… Where are we again? Oh yes, the, the Johnson residence." Mr. Grotski said in a daze. He quickly found his eyes back to his newly found treasure and held it close greedily. James escorted them to the door and wished them on their way. Just after the Mr. and Madam Grotski crossed the threshold, Taki turned and looked James in the face and whispered,
"I think something has started" and with a suave wave and a cherry good night she ran back to her foster parents and headed home.
Part 4
James awoke the next day as he usually did. At 5:14 he opened his eyes and waited for the sun to hit his face through his only window. Today it felt different. Usually the light beams were an annoyance to him, like an over playful and rough puppy. Always lapping at his face warmly, and nibbling on all part of him until he got up, but today they gently woke him and urged him awake. Then a single tear ran down his right eye and feel onto his hand. He looked at it as the new thing that it was. He examined it curiously, first looking up at the ceiling spying no leak. He felt it, smelt it and even tasted the bitter water. Then a convulsion of sadness took him. His back arched and he buried his hands in his face. Tears flowed through his fingers and ran down his face. The sun woke him just like mom used to, just like it had been before.
"Yo, bitch baby! Get up, you're going to be late for that dumb ass retard academy you call a school." Said Terry's brawling and surprising voice from behind his door.
James got up and did his normal preparations and headed out the door. There was a light sheet of snow on the ground today. One that was like a glaze over the entire town, one that had every inch like a snowy mirror that you could wipe away with your finger. It was beauty if one could appreciate it. But not to many did. Everyone that was awake at the hour were either coming or going. Too busy to even notice the gentle art of nature, yet they were always ready to complain about it, to whine at a rain, or pout when it hailed. James thought all of this as he walked. Then he noticed, he was thinking. He was actually wondering about the world around him. It was 7:13 and he didn't even have a clue of how many steps he took. A small smile crossed his face and he just stood in place for a few second letting the kind wind brush against his face. Suddenly a great force knocked against his body. His body was pushed forward and started to lose balance. Normally someone would just fall flat on their face, yet James tilted his weight forward and held his body above the ground and did a total hand spring turning him around to the unknown assailant. It was Sam. She was riding her bike (or at least that is what it looked like through all the black paint, stickers and "character marks" better known as when she tries to play chicken with cars).
"What the hell did you do that for?" James cried
"No, what did you do that for? You're supposed to just fall flat on your face you nimrod! What if it was someone else? Huh? What if some idiot moving to fast saw you do that?" Sam said as she smacked James across the face.
"Sorry, ma'am. I won't happen again. I promise" James said hanging his head.
"Good now go on your way." Sam then quickly hopped on her bike and yelled back to him.
"And if Martin asks you didn't see me" and she quickly speed off.
James continued on keeping in mind to stay clumsy and normal. Then James felt a sudden movement of air that came before a strike. Thinking quickly he assumed it was Sam again trying to make sure. This time he thought quickly swerved around and grabbed the hand right before it landed against his back. Yet it didn't look nor feel like Sam's. He looked into the face of Taki. Suddenly he turned red and stumbled with his feet comically landing on his back.
"What the heck was that?" Taki said surprised
"No, what the heck were you doing attacking me like that? I thought you were a stalker not an attacker" James said defensively
"I didn't touch you Meanie." Taki glared from above him
"Whatever, are you going to help me up or just watch?" James commented holding out his hand. Taki reluctantly helped him up and they headed on their way. It was just like yesterday. Taki talked and talked away and James listened and commented both just enjoying the other's company. Then James looked down and saw a series of bruises on her exposed arm.
"What are those?"
"Oh, nothing…" Taki said as she franticly pulled her sleeve down and looked away.
"Is something wrong?" James asked caringly
"Its all your fault! You're the one that gave it to him, you're the one that turned him into what he is now!" And with that Taki sprinted away leaving James confused. He walked the rest of the way to school alone and arrived on time. He spent his day thinking of her and what he did to hurt her.
Mean while Sam was riding at full speed past people and even cars. Her hair was pulled back because of the wind and shown red green black and only hints of her natural blond color. She had a smirk on her face that made her complexion dark and sinister. Then after an hour of speeding down streets she jerked her handles sending the craft off road. Still she speed on now leading a trail of dust behind her. Then after a few miles she slowed to a halt and took a leap off her bike. About a hundred feet from her was a car by the side of the road with a woman standing beside it. As she walked closer she could see that the white car had a flat tire and the woman was trying to fix it. This was the deserted outer rim of the city where few people came by and to be stranded here was frightening.
"Need help?" Sam called as she came closer
"Oh thanks, I've been out here for hours trying to fix this damn thing. Do you know how?" The woman said gratefully.
"Oh yeah its easy." A few minutes later the car was ready to go and the flat was in the back.
"Thanks so much… Um, I'm sorry I didn't get your name." Said the woman
"Its Kibou." Sam said with a cherry smile
"Well thank you Kibou now I have to go do you need a lif-?" The woman was stopped mid sentence when Sam struck her brutally on the head with the tire iron. Sam raised the bloody instrument and whacked the bleeding head again and again. The skull caved in exposing smashed brain matter. Sam continued to hit the lifeless body until the corpse lay in a large pool of crimson blood.
"No I have a ride," Sam said with a vicious smile on her face. Then a small crying was heard. It broke the air softly and traveled to her ears. She looked in the car to see a small baby boy strapped in his car seat gently crying. He was no more than half a month old and already he was motherless. Sam dropped her sanguinary tool and feel to her knees. A tear ran down her face but she quickly wiped it away and started to work. Five hours later she was home and her rebel self. Then she heard the report of the Channel Five news.
"Today Mr. Lee Ann Carter was killed in a tragic car accident. Apparently her car swerved on the ice roads on the outskirts of town and crashed into a ravine. Her body was horrible mangled and was almost beyond recognition. Yet a suicide note was found in her dashboard that confirmed her identity. Her child was found abandoned by the side of the road with an identical note with it. The child has been handed over to its father and is doing well."
And still after seeing this Sam simple took another spoon of lick of her sucker and casually changed the channel.
Part 5 (A)
The bell bellowed at two times and just before the third James eyes had already scanned the room eighteen times without once seeing Taki. He was still wondering and fearing of what he did. Just then from the corner of his eye he saw the flutter of her signature coal colored skirt as she walked by the doorway. James quickly bolted from the classroom after what appeared to be Taki. He almost instantly realized his mistake when a large heavy backpack slammed into his face hurling him back ten feet. Slightly dazed he staggered to his feet and evaded the perils to get to Taki. He arrived just in time to stop her from running in the way of the stampeding pep squad. Quickly putting his arms around her stomach he pulled her out of the way before she was trampled by the pom-pom carrying nazis. James suddenly blushed and pulled his arms away. He then looked to see the frightened eyes of a different person than Taki. He was confused, she had the same face body and clothes as Taki and yet when he looked into her eyes he didn't see the vastness, the spontaneity, and the wildness that he saw in Taki's. He saw a calm serine place that echoed warmth and shyness. But he didn't have time to think. He clasped her hand and quickly ran down the hallways using what he learned last time to guide him. Feeling accomplished he exited the building leading her behind him.
"I… guess.. I saved you…this time around" James said smiling and panting after they got to safety.
"Who are you?" the other said in caution and fear
"What do you me-" but before he could finish his sentence a force rammed against his side knocking him over onto his back
"Who the hell do you think you are trying to rape my sister you perv…. Oh its just you. Still what are you doing pervert?" said Taki as she sat on top of James
"Wh…what? I think…I think I'm seeing double.." James said confused
"I…I think you're hurting him" said the other
"Oh this guy? He's fine see." Taki said as she slapped James
"Ouch! Get off, I don't like you sitting on me… like this" James said as he started to blush wildly.
"What do you mean "like this"?" Taki said inquisitively. James then raised a quivering finger towards her skirt. Taki turned crimson and slapped James across the face. The bystander let out a slight giggle that caught both of their attention. A while later Taki James and the other called Minru were walking down the street together. Taki explained to James that Minru was her twin sister and that the Grotski's a while back, had adopted both of them. She wasn't able to go to school or from home for the last week because of a horrible cold. In fact Minru was just able to go to school in the middle of the day because she just got better. James introduced himself and Minru and James soon became as close as James was to Taki. For the first time all three of them walked home together.
When they were a few blocks from their house James remembered that morning and asked Taki about the bruises. Taki quickly turned and grabbed Minru's hand.
"Lets go or we will be late getting home," Taki said about the bolt with Minru.
"N.. No.. we have to tell him… didn't he give it to him?" Minru said timidly rooting herself to the spot.
"Do you mean the notebook? What's going on?" James said
"Yes it is about the notebook." Minru said in a calm confident voice that wasn't like her. Taki took a sigh and let out a small "ok".
"When you gave him the notebook he started acing so odd. This morning…something happened…" Minru looked into Taki's eyes and nodded. Both of them lifted up their sleeves to show bruises and rope burns on their wrists.
"There is more" Taki said. James was astonished and even more so when they revealed rope marks and bruises on their ankles hips and neck.
"What happened?" James asked hesitantly and almost afraid.
"He got angry…and tied us up… He told us we were bad girls and laughed" Taki said with her head hung.
"We were looking at his book… he caught us and punished us." Minru said
"No, he didn't punish you. He just hurt you. Punishment means that you did something wrong. You didn't do anything wrong." James said with a fire of hatred anew for the Grotski. The girls were surprised at his response and even more so when he leaned in and hugged both of them. The girls moved their hands around his back and tightened the embrace. Suddenly Taki and Minru felt tears on their shoulders, than they heard a slight chuckle.
"Why… why the hell are you laughing perv?" Taki said through the hug
"I'm so sad… but I'm so happy that you two can make me so sad. I haven't felt anything for a long time except for pain. And now I feel something, the numbness is gone because of you… I'm so messed up" James said through slight laughs and tears.
"Ye.. yeah you are perv." Taki said
"Yeah perv." Minru said gently
"I guess I am stalkers, I guess I am" James said with a small laugh.
A few minutes later all three stood at the Grotski house.
"Are you sure we should do this?" James asked
"Yeah" the twins said in unison.
Part 5 (B)
[Note: I'm experimenting with 2 parallel story lines centering on Minru. Minru A is almost like a shy girl Moe, while Minru B is a creation around the opposite of Minru A. I hope you enjoy this experimentation I'm doing and tell me which do you like more]
The bell bellowed at two times and just before the third James eyes had already scanned the room eighteen times without once seeing Taki. He was still wondering and fearing of what he did. Just then from the corner of his eye he saw the flutter of her signature coal colored skirt as she walked by the doorway. James quickly bolted from the classroom after what appeared to be Taki. He almost instantly realized his mistake when a large heavy backpack slammed into his face hurling him back ten feet. Slightly dazed he staggered to his feet and evaded the perils to get to Taki. He arrived just in time to stop her from running in the way of the stampeding pep squad. Quickly putting his arms around her stomach he pulled her out of the way before she was trampled by the pom-pom carrying nazis. James suddenly blushed and pulled his arms away. He then looked to see the eyes of a different person than Taki. He was confused, she had the same face body and clothes as Taki and yet when he looked into her eyes he didn't see the vastness, the spontaneity, and the wildness that he saw in Taki's. He saw a dark fire that blazed deeply. It was a hellfire of rage and anger pent up and compressed so that with the slightest bump it would explode raining upon all in rang corrosive lava. But he didn't have time to think. He clasped her hand and quickly ran down the hallways using what he learned last time to guide him. Feeling accomplished he exited the building leading her behind him.
He leaned over catching his breath and letting a small smile come onto his face. He looked up to see a calm composed person. She casually looked at her nails checking them at arms length and spreading each finger to check for dirt and imperfections.
"You have five seconds to tell me who the hell you are before you get up close and personal with my-" said the girl starting off with a threat but then dissipated when she looked into James's eyes.
"Um…ah so… sorry I'm Minru and you are?" the girl said after turning very red.
"Oh I'm sorry. I thought you were someone else, I'm James." He said as he outstretched an arm for a handshake. The girl blushed and held out her hand giving an unexpectedly strong handshake.
"Um… do you know… Taki?" James said half hazard
"Wait are you that James… Yeah she is my sister" Minru said coldly. At that moment Taki spotted the two and headed over. Once she came closer she could feel the tension and even small distain her sister held towards her.
"Hi, I guess you've met Minru." Taki said in and unexpected cherry tone. The three of them started to head home, each one talking to the others and sharing laughs ideas and pleasant conversation. Yet behind all the simple chatter James sensed that Taki and Minru was almost mentally fighting over something. He felt like if he just raised his head he could actually see the storm that the two were brewing a battle of wit and one played with intimidation and fear. Yet they talked and acted so kind he just knew this couldn't be true. Soon they approached the Grotski residence and slight good byes were said. Then right after James turned his back, he felt a strong hand land on his shoulder and hold him back.
"Just don't leave us with him." Said Taki's quivering voice.
"Don't be so weak you cry baby!" Minru said as she smacked her sister across the face. This only made tears well up in her eyes and in one quick moment she grabbed James and held him close sobbing into his chest. James starred daggers at Minru as he gently cradled Taki.
"Shhhh… it's all going to be ok." James said as he gently rocked back and forth.
"Now tell me, what's wrong." Minru at this moment pushed up her sleeves exposing numerous bruises. While James held Taki, Minru showed bruises on their arms legs, hips and stomach, each one being deep dark and gruesome. So many thoughts flew through James's mind all in the end leading back to the Notebook. It intoxicated the eyes and in the small time James had got to look at it, it almost encaged him in its sick beauty. He knew that one's like him had stronger will, and that Mr. Grotski surely turned sick and his heart turned black not being able to stand the horrific beauty of Notebook. There was only one thing to do if he wanted to save his new friends. One thing alone.
Part 6
The screech of a motorcycle rang out from the garage of 1423 West Martyr Street. Martin looked up only momentarily from washing his "equipment" which was an array of sharp knives scalpels and IV's, but then soon looked backed down and gave out a small sigh.
"I guess this means he's going out again today." Martin said under his breath.
Seconds later the blurred image of Terry and his motorcycle shot out of the garage and down the street. His loosely fitting clothing flapped against him while the wind ran through his free hair pulling it back across his head. This machine was known simply as "Charlie". It was old but it was well polished and painted a dark black making it look like it was new. The metal on every part would gleam in the sun light and blend into the night. You always knew Terry was coming when you heard the roar of its engine, which sounded more like the screech of dieing man than anything else. And Terry loved this. The fear, the intimidation, the sleek body all of it was just another instrument in his arsenal of terror.
At Le mar and fifth Terry quickly shifted his weight making the cycle swerve 180 degrees and halt. He let his mouth make a cruel smile that linked perfectly with this seven o'clock shadow.
"You aren't fooling nobody now get out of there before I have to go in and drag you out myself" Terry hollered at a seemingly deserted patch of bushes and trees. Then three figures came out of almost perfect hiding wielding pipes and chains. These three men were more like dedicated vigilante justices against Terry. They didn't really have a name for their group they just were set on trying to keep Terry under control or at least slightly incapacitated. The three slowly dispersed and surrounded Terry.
"You really want to do this? I looked it up and this constitutes as self defense so I don't have to pay for your medical bills." Terry said with a smirk as he dismounted Charlie. Just as his feet touched the ground one of the men ran at him swinging a chain. Terry quickly grabbed the heavy chain in mid swing and with a single pull ripped it from his opponent's hands. The man gave out a yelp of pain and fell to his knees. Just then the two others moved in with pipes raised over their head.
"Too slow" Terry said and he ducked and wrapped the chain around their legs tripping them and knocking them out as their heads smacked against the asphalt.
"You guys are making this too easy." Terry said as he mounted Charlie and screeched off. This was just another morning for Terry. He rode on with no particular destination in mind, just causing chaos and disturbing the peace. Hours later Terry arrived home, splattered with dirt and mud.
"Yo, Marty. Are you done with that one yet? I'm starving." Terry remarked as he dropped himself heavily into a chair.
"Yeah, just wait a second." Martin said at the counter as he squeezed a crimson liquid over a plate of chicken and expertly cut French fries.
"Now dig in," he said as he served the food
"Aw come on! You know I hate this extra stuff. Just give me the plain thing." Terry remarked angrily.
"You need to start integrating your diet more. We all do, I know none of us like it but we have to, ok?"
"Fine!" Terry said as he stabbed the chicken with his fork and brutally ate the food.
"Sam! Get down here, lunch is ready!" Martin called up the stairs
Soon after Sam came down and made the same complaints as Terry only to surrender in the end and ate the dish served to her ferociously.
"Did you notice James and that one Grotski girl were really close last night?" Sam said after they had finished.
"You mean Taki? Well whatever it won't last long. The little idiot couldn't keep a friend if one was surgically grafted to him." Terry commented
"Well you shouldn't be talking down to him, it's because of him that we don't have to pay for those damages you caused." Martin said
"What do you mean?"
"He found this one book and traded it to them for all the payments. It saved us quite a lot of money. Martin said looking down at the remains of his food
"That little brat did that? Well I guess I'll have to treat him with a little more respect next time" Terry admitted
"What book was it?" Sam said joining the conversation
"Simply a Notebook, we should have it back soon." Martin said calmly
"Oh really? He found that book? Well great! I guess I won't have to kill them after all.
"Yeah it'll do it for us." Sam said snickering
After some other small talk the two renegades left leaving Martin to clean up after them. While cleaning the dishes Martin looked out the kitchen window wondering if things were going to change. And if anything would be different now that James was reaching adult hood.
"He grew up so fast," Martin said nostalgically
Later that day Sam wondered outside to see Terry open the cellar doors beside the house and walk in. The old cellar used to be used by Mom and Dad to store food but now it was abandoned, or so Sam thought. The old doors lay on the ground and were covered in old dead leaves and grass almost hiding it. And the two wooden doors were old and looked as if they were starting to rot. Nonetheless Terry opened them and walked into the ground down the cold hard concrete steps and disappeared from sight. Sam's curiosity was sparked at this point and followed her brother stealthily. Terry pulled a cord that illuminated the cellar room. Once barren it was now covered in tools. Along the walls sickles, saws blades, wrenches and hammers were hanging on their own hooks. Each one had a slight almost rusty discoloration about them. In the center Sam saw to her horror a small boy strapped to a table. He was obviously unconscious and didn't move. Terry let a sinister smile rip across his face as he approached the child.
"Wake up sleepy head" Terry said in a morbid tone as he poked the infant awake with the end of a hand drill. The child slowly opened his eyes dazed and confused and tried to look around. Second after this Terry raised the drill over his head and jammed it against the child's hand grinding and tearing apart the flesh. The boy screamed in terror and looked on as his hand was torn apart. His screams were locked in this room and reverberated horrifically with each turn of the drill. Terry eventually stopped and looked on as his prey suffered. He repeated this gruesome task with the other hand and then threw the drill aside. Carefully walking and searching the walls Terry picked up a scalpel and lazily walked over to the suffering child. Holding the leg steady with one hand he pressed the blade against the Achilles tendon drawing more blood from the wound and driving the screams higher. After severing it completely he moved onto the other leg and dropped the scalpel. Terry grabbed a pair of surgical scissors from the north wall and with one quick movement jabbed it into the stomach of his victim tearing apart his abdominal region. Up all the way past his ribs he opened the little boy up. The child took one last gasp of air before lying lifeless on the table. All the while Sam looked on in terror and almost amazement at Terry's work. She felt sick and was driven to her hands and knees. Letting out a gagging sound she emptied out her stomach in the corner.
"Like what you see?" Terry said in a grim evil tone
"You're…you're a monster." Sam said as she wiped a small amount of vomit from her mouth.
"Ha! Well remember you'll be like this too. I know what you did with that one woman. Don't pretend like you don't want to be able to make art like mine" Terry said gesturing over to his victim.
"I'm not going to be like you," Sam said in a quivering tone
"Say that all you want. I know what you want." And with that Terry let out a bone-shattering cackle as Sam ran from the cellar pale and tormented
Part 7 [The Kiss] (A)
"One"
"Two"
"Three" the door of the Grotski residence was suddenly throw open as James, Taki and Minru entered. The twins quickly lead the way to the study to find that the door was locked and bolted shut. With a heave of his body James threw himself against the door knocking it down. In the study lay the contorted body of Mr. Grotski. In his hand he held the Notebook and in the other he held a lighter. His arms were broken and twisted into two arching towers above his body. While his feet were twisted backwards having one heel in the air and the other on the ground while his kneecaps rested on the floor. His back was arched moving his large frame in the air. Yet most odd of all was the look on his face. His face was calm and composed almost meditated even though a stream of blood slowly flowed from his cheek. James stood motionless as the girls stepped back. For a second everything was still. No one could think or do anything but stand still in horror of the image they just saw.
Then suddenly everyone sprang into action. The girls quickly ran down to call the police while James tore the Notebook from the cold dead fingers and stuffed it into his jacket making sure not to look at it for long.
Five minutes later the police arrived and a few hours later they were released from their questioning. Martin was promptly waiting to pick James up and James knew this. He turned around to face Taki and Minru and didn't say a word. He just looked into their eyes very deeply and they understood that no one should know about the Notebook. James turned and started to walk home with Martin.
The walk was made without any interaction between them, but the mental preparations were numerous on both sides. James pondered as to what he would be asked as Martin thought of how to make sure that James never even remembered the Notebook existed. A few steps from the door James broke the silence.
"You know what is happening."
"Probably but not nearly as much as you do" Martin replied casually checking his nails for dirt
"Stop the game. I'm not going to play it. Just tell me what is going on." James said harshly
"Well than where's the fun in that? I think this would be a marvelous learning experience for you."
"I said stop the game. For the last time I'm not playing. Just tell me what the hell is going on and I won't have to hurt you." James said angrily as he lurched forward at Martin
"Not so fast" Martin quickly slipped a knife from his sleeve pressing the flat edge against James's neck holding him back. From the corner of his eye Martin saw a couple walking down the street towards them and quickly hid his weapon and pushed James inside.
"Now this is the end for today, if you want to learn more you're just going to have to do it on your own." And with that Martin left and James was left alone with his thoughts, so many unclear and unanswered
The next day James woke up as usual and headed out as usual without delay. Then as he went outside and locked the door behind him he turned to see Taki and Minru waiting for him.
"Oh so now you recruited another sta-" James stopped in mid sentence just then remembering that they had lost the closest thing they had to a father.
"I'm…I'm sorry for you loss" James said hanging his head.
"What loss?" Minru said shyly
"Yeah, its not like he actually loved us" Taki chimed in. James raised his head awkwardly and smiled meeting the duel smiles of the twins.
"Now come on,"
"Before we are late for school" the twins alternated grabbing James's hands and pulling him along. With a single smile James followed along.
For the next two weeks the James only got closer to his new friends. They had almost all of the same classes together walked to and from school with each other every day. James even started to feel odd feelings for them, especially Taki. Then one day Taki brought up the oddest proposition.
"Have you ever noticed how dull your clothes are?" Taki commented to James
"What do you mean?"
"Well just look at yourself. So plain and well boring." Minru said
"I have an idea! Let's give him a make over this weekend." Taki blurted out
"Great idea," Minru said enthusiastically. But before James had time to object it was Saturday and he had been tricked somehow into coming with the twins to the stores in town. He was tossed into a whirlwind of dressing rooms and fabric. He was confused and disoriented most of the time but he had fun. By the end of the day he wore a black blazer an assortment of buttons draping his lapels and had deep blue jeans that ended just before his heel. His tie was now a deep black and had sown into the fabric just were the main tie was made, was a watch face. Yet by this time it was only late afternoon and still there was time so still there was "work" to be done. First he was their clothes model now he was their clothing transporter, caring heavy bags from store to store following them on their quest for a perfect style. All this time James was constantly fighting and contemplating the feelings he had for Taki. The day started to end and the trio headed home. They talked and joked on the long walk back and all the while grew even closer. Then the start of a great accident occurred.
Unbeknown to James, the twins decided to play a small joke to get a few laughs.
"Can you excuse us, we need to go get something." Taki said
"In the woods?" James asked as he pointed to the forest beside the rout they were taking.
"Yeah we will only be a second." Minru said as she and her sister walked into the woods. Then after some time they were out of distance the prank began. Minru walked back but now dressed as Taki. It was supposed to be a simple prank to get James confused but at this moment it went wrong. The sun started to set as Minru came out disguised. And the sunrays dazzled as they fell on her radiating her beauty and trying James's control even more.
"Did you have fun today?" Minru said trying her best to sound like Taki but not being able to keep back the sweetness of her voice completely. James couldn't stand it any long and stepped forward succumbing to his wants. He moved very close and slowly wrapped his hands around Minru's body and moved his face close.
"I've always felt this way about you Taki," James's said softly before pressing his lips against hers. At this point Minru's body felt numb and fell limp in his arms. Then almost like a shock a warm stream filled her body and she placed her arms around his neck returning the kiss gently. It lasted only for seconds and when it ended the only stood in silence before Minru ran off into the forest.
"You look like you saw a ghost." Taki commented as she saw her sister
"What happened?"
"Nothing… he just asked what we were doing and I froze up and ran back, sorry," Minru said looking at the ground
"Its ok, we'll get him next time" Taki reassured. The sisters exited the forest and headed back towards home. James acted normal as if nothing had happened which surprised Minru. A while later the trio made it home and said last good byes before they departed, it had been a full day.
When James arrived home he went into a state of shock not unlike the one he had gotten when he first learned that the Grotski's were Taki's foster parents. Locked up in his room he searched franticly for anything that could comfort him. Then he saw the Notebook, which he had thrown into a corner. It looked so inviting so warming that he couldn't resist but to hold it close. As he picked it up he noticed around his hand was a bracelet made from small loops of metal making a small chain. And on this chain was a needle like object. James quickly found his magnifying glass and looked at it to see it was engraved with lines that looped and twisted and ran down the needle like water in a river. Without delay James stuck the needle into one of the holes of the lock at random. It fitted perfectly and a small click was heard after he twisted and pushed a small amount.
He tried to pull it out to fit into the other holes but as he did he felt the metal in the lock move back. This vain attempt to open the Notebook only made him want it more. The contents were at first interesting but now they were mesmerizing. James just sat in thought for hours holding the book in one hand and fiddling with the bracelet in the other.
Mean while at the Grotski house Taki and Minru were talking about the day. Giggling, laughing, making small witty comments all of this was just plain fun between the sisters. A while later, Minru was left alone to her thoughts when Taki left to take a shower. This was the dread of Minru. Now all she could think about was the kiss.
"Was it really meant for her, or was it truly Taki's? Does he really feel that way? Was it wrong to enjoy it? Do I feel the same way toward him? What are these feelings?" all these thoughts pulsed through her brain. With a quivering finger she reached up and touched her lips and tried to remember the wonderful sensation when her lips met his. How warm and soft they felt against hers, how gentle he was with his movement. How much love was in that simple act, she didn't know and couldn't even imagine.
That night she lay awake and thought about the day and ran each part over and over again. She couldn't escape how wonderful the kiss was and how much she longed for more and enjoyed the small taste she was given. It was so wonderful yet all she could do was hide under her covers holding her pillow close and let tears run down her face. She could only think about how wonderful the sensation was and how it might not have been meant for her.
Part 7 [The Kiss] (B)
[Note: Hello reader! Yet again I'm experimenting with Minru B. The story will start out the same but there is a BIG difference in the rest of the part. I hope you enjoyed the rid of November and keep up while we move onto December. I want to thank everyone that has read and gave me feedback. I appreciate it a lot. Now to set this up, Minru is still going to be the bad girl on the inside but is going to try to stifle it for James because of…. Reasons you will find out if you read the part. Thank you and I hope you enjoy]
"One"
"Two"
"Three" the door of the Grotski residence was suddenly throw open as James, Taki and Minru entered. The twins quickly lead the way to the study to find that the door was locked and bolted shut. With a heave of his body James threw himself against the door knocking it down. In the study lay the contorted body of Mr. Grotski. In his hand he held the Notebook and in the other he held a lighter. His arms were broken and twisted into two arching towers above his body. While his feet were twisted backwards having one heel in the air and the other on the ground while his kneecaps rested on the floor. His back was arched moving his large frame in the air. Yet most odd of all was the look on his face. His face was calm and composed almost meditated even though a stream of blood slowly flowed from his cheek. James stood motionless as the girls stepped back. For a second everything was still. No one could think or do anything but stand still in horror of the image they just saw.
Then suddenly everyone sprang into action. The girls quickly ran down to call the police while James tore the Notebook from the cold dead fingers and stuffed it into his jacket making sure not to look at it for long.
Five minutes later the police arrived and a few hours later they were released from their questioning. Martin was promptly waiting to pick James up and James knew this. He turned around to face Taki and Minru and didn't say a word. He just looked into their eyes very deeply and they understood that no one should know about the Notebook. James turned and started to walk home with Martin.
The walk was made without any interaction between them, but the mental preparations were numerous on both sides. James pondered as to what he would be asked as Martin thought of how to make sure that James never even remembered the Notebook existed. A few steps from the door James broke the silence.
"You know what is happening."
"Probably but not nearly as much as you do" Martin replied casually checking his nails for dirt
"Stop the game. I'm not going to play it. Just tell me what is going on." James said harshly
"Well than where's the fun in that? I think this would be a marvelous learning experience for you."
"I said stop the game. For the last time I'm not playing. Just tell me what the hell is going on and I won't have to hurt you." James said angrily as he lurched forward at Martin
"Not so fast" Martin quickly slipped a knife from his sleeve pressing the flat edge against James's neck holding him back. From the corner of his eye Martin saw a couple walking down the street towards them and quickly hid his weapon and pushed James inside.
"Now this is the end for today, if you want to learn more you're just going to have to do it on your own." And with that Martin left and James was left alone with his thoughts, so many unclear and unanswered
The next day James woke up as usual and got ready for another semi-normal day. After he had locked the door behind him he turned around to see Taki and Minru waiting for him with smiles.
"Oh so now you recruited another stalker fan-" James stopped in mid sentence remembering the death yesterday.
"I'm sorry for your loss" James said hanging his head
"Um…what loss? I call it more of a gain." Minru said
"Oh you mean that, well I'll call it more of a gain." Taki added
"Yeah if you think about it, I don't think it is a loss that a guy that beat children died a mysterious horrid death wouldn't you agree, James." Minru said with a smile
"Well I see what you mean now… Hey wait didn't Taki tell you numbskull, don't call me James. Limdo is fine." James said as he playfully knocked on Minru's head.
For the last two weeks of November James grew closer and closer two both of the girls. They had almost the same classes together and walked to and from school every day. James had grown to find out so much about both of them and could even tell them apart by the very slight difference in their eye color. He started to feel odd emotions for both of them, especially Taki.
Than on the Friday of the last week Taki made an unusual proposition.
"Have you ever noticed how up tight he looks in his clothes?" Taki said to Minru as the three walked home.
"Oh yeah, he looks like a lawyer that has chronic constipation. Just look at him so stiff." Minru said as she poked his stomach
"Hey quit it!" James said letting out a small laugh
"I have an idea, lets take him to the mall tomorrow. I'm sure with our expert fashion sense we could turn this train wreck around." Taki proposed
"Ouch, that cut deep" James said jokingly but he knew she was right. He only wore a fitting blue blazer over a black shirt and khaki pants. And Taki and Minru had distinct styles all their own. Before he could officially agree he had been tricked into going any ways. And so the day began. He was almost instantly tossed into a whirlwind of textiles and products. Without control he was just hurled around aimlessly in the complex. Venturing from outlet to outlet without navigation or aim he enjoyed himself, even though he really couldn't recall what happened. All he knew is that it started out with frantic window-shopping and ended up with him almost locked in a changing room. By the end of his jovial imprisonment he had a black long sleeve shirt under short sleeve shirt with diagonal white and black bars. Instead of khaki's he had normal blue jeans. And his normal tie was replaced with a black one with a watch face sown into it. He almost looked like he could completely hide his secrets.
Yet his work had just begun. Now his job was to caddy the enormous parcels following mindlessly almost slaving. For hours he took up this task gladly. He knew that it was simple work compared to the reward of talking to the two twins. It ranged wildly like before, and entertained both sides. James was even allowed to give input on the products bought. All good things come to an end but the time spent with the good things is what really makes you savor them, and James knew this all too well.
Later on in the day it was getting hot and the indoor air conditioning was broken. "God it's sweltering in here," James remarked as he wiped beads of sweat from his head.
"Yeah it is, it's like a sauna in here. How should we cool off?" Taki asked ambiguously
"Well we could always change and try out some different clothes." Minru suggested broadly.
James and Taki looked at her almost surprised at the good suggestion. A little while later the three were sitting in their own stales in cool summer garments and the breezy privet AC of the store. A small smile ran across James face as he thought about what was happening. He was simply having fun with friends and yet the feelings were so complex from this simple thing. Pondering and pondering James lost track of time and soon heard a light knock at the door. He quickly scrambled to change shirts but the search was in vain. Frantically looking for his original outfit was stressful but with the criticizing voice of Minru on the other side saying that it was time to head out didn't help at all. Then as James leaned over looking for his shirt he felt a gust of air, flow across his bare back as the door opened. She had obviously lost patience and decided to drag James out herself but stopped cold after a few steps into the stale when she saw James's problem. She quickly blushed and tried to turn away but instead tripped up knocking the door clothed and falling back onto James.
Then time stopped. James stood paralyzed shirtless, holding Minru up in his arms. Her body was accidentally pressed against his forcing him against the wall and forcing him to gaze almost hypnotized into her eyes. Both had thoughts buzzing through their minds but Minru left those thoughts aside and gave into instinct. With a simple shift of weight she leaned in and hugged James making the embrace no longer accidental but official.
She thought to herself quietly how warm and comforting his heartbeat was. Even though her eyes were closed she still started to explore his bare torso with her hands. She took in even muscle every contour line and curve as she gently moved her hand across his chest.
"He is so strong and fit," Minru said to herself in the embrace
As she explored James at first felt extremely uncomfortable but then remembered Minru and relaxed letting her hands caress every part of his chest. This went on for a few seconds and both of them felt amazing at the other. Minru wondered how plain handsome James really was. As James felt surprised at how gentle and comforting Minru really was. Than in a flash of a moment, Minru took James's face in her hands and pressed her lips against his. At this moment a shock shot through his body making every nerve numb causing him to loose balance. He fell back onto the makeshift bench and Minru was dragged long still pressed against him. It lasted only for a few seconds more, but that was all the time needed to confuse James beyond comprehension and to delight both of them.
After the kiss had ended, Minru quickly got up and ran out of the changing stall while James was left with his thoughts…
A few minutes later the three met up at the entrance and started off towards home. Minru and James made the illusion of normalcy but Taki saw through.
"What took you guys so long in the changing stalls?" Taki asked, as they were half way home.
"Well-"
"This idiot took forever to find his original clothes the dummy." Minru quickly said cutting James off.
No suspicion was really raised and the rest of the way home was normal. Yet the event of that day constantly lingered in both of their minds.
When James arrived home he went into a state of shock not unlike the one he had gotten when he first learned that the Grotski's were Taki's foster parents. Locked up in his room he searched franticly for anything that could comfort him. Then he saw the Notebook, which he had thrown into a corner. It looked so inviting so warming that he couldn't resist but to hold it close. As he picked it up he noticed around his hand was a bracelet made from small loops of metal making a small chain. And on this chain was a needle like object. James quickly found his magnifying glass and looked at it to see it was engraved with lines that looped and twisted and ran down the needle like water in a river. Without delay James stuck the needle into one of the holes of the lock at random. It fitted perfectly and a small click was heard after he twisted and pushed a small amount.
He tried to pull it out to fit into the other holes but as he did he felt the metal in the lock move back. This vain attempt to open the Notebook only made him want it more. The contents were at first interesting but now they were mesmerizing. James just sat in thought for hours holding the book in one hand and fiddling with the bracelet in the other.
Mean while at the Grotski house Taki and Minru were talking about the day. Giggling, laughing, making small witty comments all of this was just plain fun between the sisters. A while later, Minru was left alone to her thoughts when Taki left to take a shower. This was the dread of Minru. Now all she could think about was the kiss.
"Why did I do that? Was it wrong that I enjoyed it? It was my first was it his? If it was, was it my right to take it from him? What if he doesn't like me at all?" all these thoughts pulsed through her brain. With a quivering finger she reached up and touched her lips and tried to remember the wonderful sensation when her lips met his. How warm and soft they felt against hers, how gentle he was with his movement. How much love was in that simple act, she didn't know and couldn't even imagine.
That night she lay awake and thought about the day and ran each part over and over again. She couldn't escape how wonderful the kiss was and how much she longed for more and enjoyed the small taste she was given. It was so wonderful yet all she could do was hide under her covers holding her pillow close and let tears run down her face. She could only think about how wonderful the sensation was. How she had pressed herself against him and how his masculine frame easily held her. How strong he had been and how chiseled his entire body was. She knew that she was a fairly attractive girl and the situation had been offered a few times before, but she almost forced it upon him. And she liked it. Every single second she fell more in love with not James, but what she saw in him. A strong loner that rarely smiled but if one had the extreme luck to see the jewel of his grin, it was something always to be remembered. It was smug yet warm in its construction and he manipulated his eyes just so perfect as if to say, "I'm here for you". He was gentle and kind but could be strong when he wanted to. She felt like a small schoolgirl falling head over heels for a secret crush. She both loved and hated the kiss.
While all this was swimming through Minru's mind all Taki was just wondering if James liked his new apparel.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)hi david, i thought this was a very clever, well written, and definitely interesting piece. weird, but all of the above nonetheless. hope ther will be a sequel? thanks for sharing, best regards, sue thomWow, thank you so much for commenting on my piece. Yes, this is only part one of November and I hope to keep on growing it until I can make a full year cycle. This really means a lot coming from such a successful author like yourself. Thank you.
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