Myth (Book 1)

by Angela K. Crandall

  “See you later,” said Jenson. We strolled hand in hand to the car.

  The DMV was packed. I tried to contact my dad, no answer, so I’d left a message on his cell.

  “You really didn’t think this could wait any longer?” asked Jenson.

  I gave him the evil eye. Really, did I want to depend on everyone else for transportation? Eva had given me the moped, so I could go places.

  “It will make life a lot easier. I know you love hauling me around, but I like my independence.”

  Jenson smiled, squeezing my hand. He knew better than to argue with me. It had been a while since we’d fought. It was during our friend period. I began to blush thinking about how only a few days ago we decided to modify things.

  “You didn’t study for this test, did you?” asked Jenson.

  “How hard can it be? I mean I have my driver’s license.”

  Jenson started laughing uncontrollably...

  “What, what’s so funny?”

  “Your dad and you truly have no clue, do you?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Here in Springville if you have an operator’s license, your driver’s license, then you can legally drive your moped. You just have to get it registered in your name. That means, Eva has to give you the paperwork. You can most likely get it from her. It’s a common mistake, don’t fret about it,” he said.

  I folded my arms a crossed my chest. I felt really silly. I constantly wanted to appear smart, being a feminist, after all. How could I allow a boy to know more than I did? Jenson got up from his seat extending his hand to me. He helped me up as if I was his maiden princess. I guess, he was trying to be nice.

  “Come on, I’ll buy you a slushie.”

  I picked up my purse slinging it over my shoulder. He opened the door for me as we made our way out into the parking lot.

  “So are you going to give me more details on what I need to do to register it? Is there a fee?” I asked.

  He opened the passenger door to his car, and I slipped inside buckling up.

  Jenson got into the driver’s seat, placing his keys in the ignition. Then gazed at me, “In life there are always fees for things, but the good things are free.”

  “And what is that?”

  He leaned over, gently placing a kiss on my lips. It took me a minute to register, exactly what he was doing. Slightly awkward, but not bad I thought pulling away slowly.

  “OK, then,” he said.

  “Yeah, I’m definitely OK,” I replied, a bit flustered.

  “What are your plans for tonight?” he asked before driving out of the parking lot.

  “I’m not really sure. Study for Jones class, then ponder the report he gave me or maybe veg in front of the TV for a bit, if mom allows it.” I sighed.

  “You don’t seem too pleased right now. Earlier today you showed enthusiasm,” he said.

  “I’m just a bit overwhelmed,” I replied, taking his hand in mine.

  “Was it the kiss?” he asked.

  A tingle, that is what his kiss felt like, thousands of them. I smiled. “No that was actually, amazing even if a bit clumsy for our first kiss.”

  “Was it that bad?”

  “No, I just wasn’t expecting it, is all,” I replied.

  Staring out the window I watched businesses fly past us. 4:45 p.m. was it really that late? My stomach began to growl.

  “We probably should pick up some Nachos too.”

  Later that night at Jenson’s....

  I stared at the four names that appeared in the report of suspects in Cal’s case. I couldn’t wrap my head around it. Jenson sat next to me on his bed, Molly had recently joined us, and Owl was absent. Apparently he’d promised to help Rascal shovel his driveway.

  “I just can’t figure it out! How did Mr. Jones get his hands on this,” I said, holding it up to them. “Mike didn’t even know the names of the bandit members. The only one who may have had any clues is Star.”

  “You haven’t had any disturbing visions again, have you?” asked Molly.

  “Nope and my tattoo hasn’t been signaling me. You’d think the clan would want to keep closer tabs,” I said.

  “Or maybe they actually, trust you,” Jenson commented.

  “It’s peculiar I’ve only met women from my clan. No men? Is that a creepy, coincidence, or what?”

  “And you only just considered this now,” stated Molly.

  “Yep,” I replied.

  Glancing to the side, I saw Owl step into the doorway.

  “I wouldn’t worry about it. I’m sure you’ll be introduced to others, in good time,” he said entering Jenson’s room soaking wet from head to toe.

  “Are you alright?” I asked.

  “Sure, I had a lot of snow to clear out of Rascal’s driveway. I should have stopped by my house to clean up. It sounded pretty urgent earlier this evening when you called me from the phone.”

  I handed him the report.

  “Sika Gem what kind of name is that?” Owl asked, holding up the photo of a tall dark-haired, skinny wolf. He stood next to a motorcycle in the snapshot on his hind legs.

  “I didn’t see any photos when I observed the reports. Where did you find them?” I asked.

  He turned over the report to show me, four photos that had been, gently adhered to the back with two sided tape.

  “It’s easy to miss, but now we have faces to go with names,” said Owl.

  “The other names are very different too, Minder, Garvin, and this last guy, calls himself the Gladiator. Minder is the lone female in the gang,” I stated.

  “Minder is kind of cute,” said Owl holding up a photo of a girl wolf, whose fur was long, and brown with blue eyes and a medium build.

  “She may be cute, but probably pretty dangerous,” I replied.

  “Read the report,” Owl said, looking at me.

  The suspects Minder, Sika, Garvin, and the Gladiator, were called into question after Cal Summers went missing. They had been charged in the past for assaulting humans whom they suspected held traits of the mythical or mystical nature. Mr. Dun one of our former Police Chiefs, ensured us there was some truth to these unusual ideas. In spite of this, the other units laughed it off as a joke. They just couldn’t take it seriously.

  “I wonder if Mike knows who this Mr. Dun fellow is and was there anything they found on these creeps that could have been Cals? Did they ever have contact with her, or was it another massacre mission they decided to abandon?” asked Starla.

  “I would bring this up at the meeting. When you encountered them, it was extremely brief. You barely know anything but bits and pieces of a few members’ lives. Your association with them has been limited so far,” said Molly.

  “I do have a lot to learn. They told me after the case I could choose to either stay living with my mother or choose to live with the clan.”

  “Does that mean they would shun you if you choose not to live in their territory?” asked Jenson.

  “No, I could choose both. I’d just have to be more cautious about who I interact with, those who might press for knowledge about the fox clan. If they still want me to be a guardian, then living between both species might be the better choice.”

  “Why is that?” inquired Owl.

  “A balance must be maintained between humans, the fox clan, mixed species and other peaceful divisions. Those that wish us harm need to be kept at bay,” I answered.

  “Where did all this come from?” asked Molly.

  “Since I met Eva and Star it’s something that has been in the back of my mind. It’s not something that can just be jumped into. I have to take it all in steps and then decide, what is going to be best for me.”

  Owl sat down the two remaining photos not yet inspected. The Gladiator was blonde, husky, green eyes, and rather large even for a wolf. I picked up the picture to observe it closely.

  “So this group, are they all wolves? How do they drive motorcycles, if they are not half-breeds?”

 
“They are extremely intelligent. I heard Rascal talking about them once with our tribe. They use to hunt in our territory. It was an ongoing battle between us until they finally left the area,” said Owl.

  “How would these wolves have gained the ability to rationalize like humans and still have the body of the wolf? How can they be prejudiced against those who share other forms or merges of various species? When they themselves contain an ability outside of their own kind?” I asked.

  “No one has been able to reason that out,” Owl grumbled.

  Gavin was the last photo. An odd-looking fellow with a long stripe down his middle, a mow hawk. He stood beside a tree near a river. I pointed to the photo, looking at Owl.

  “Is this River Rogue?”

  “Not sure, but it does look similar to it,” he answered.

  “Once we meet with the clan, I may be able to write my reply to Mr. Jones query about what happened to Cal for the test. Can I trust him Owl? How much do I tell him,” I asked, rambling on.

  “This is what you should never do, don’t ever give specifics concerning where the clan is located, unless instructed by your dad or one of the other members. You can state what occurred and names. We only use first names, so we’re not easily detected,” said Owl.

  “Are you a part of our clan?”

  “No, but I am part of a tribe and we are very protective of one another, so make sure you honor your relationship with the fox clan. You don’t want to lose their trust. The same goes for each and every one of us. We must be careful what we say and do around others. We have done well so far, but let’s try to step it up a notch, OK?” coaxed Owl.

  We all nodded at him and gave O.K.’s.

  I got up from Jenson’s bed to walk around the room. Antsy after the chat concerning the report. I scoured all of the pictures he had from grade school up on his wall, and those we’d taken together since I’d moved here.

  Owl walked up beside me to observe what I’d been looking at. “Ah, so pictures from when you were young,” Owl said to Jenson.

  “Yep, those were the days. In grade school, I was the king of the computer. That’s when they were real monsters with plastic discs,” said Jenson. He stepped up alongside me observing over my shoulder. He leaned his chin on me, his arms finding their way around my middle.

  “Hey, you guys are making me feel really old,” I said nudging his face with mine.

  “Have you had a chance to skim over the spirit animal magazine Jones lent you?” asked Molly. She was still seated.

  “No, do you want to go over it now or...”

  Sage sprinted into Jenson’s room, her curly hair bouncing behind her as she jumped up and down.

  “Hey, you guys come down and have a snack with us? We are watching a great show on snakes! Get it snakes and snacks?” she stated.

  We all just laughed.

  Gently I took Jenson’s hands off of my waist, and he allowed me to pull away.

  “I could use a break from this,” I said, gathering the contents of the report back into its envelope.

  “Sounds good,” stated Molly.

  “I’m in,” replied Jenson.

  “Sorry, I need to take care of a few things. Also, get out of these wet clothes. Thanks anyway, Sage. I’ll have to take a rain check,” said Owl parting.

  The rest of us gathered our things to go meet Jenson’s family in the living area for snacks.

  “Hey, Molly,” I said.

  “Hmmm, what?” she asked before we headed to the living room.

  “Have you talked to your folks yet?”

  “Mmm hmm, let’s not talk about it now, later at your house, maybe tomorrow after you finish your shift?”

  “How about milkshakes on me?” I volunteered.

  “All over you, now that would be funny,” Sage laughed, overhearing us, as she continued to stand in the doorway.

  “You know what I mean,” Molly said, rolling her eyes.

  “OK, around three then?”

  “Sure,” she agreed.

  “You guys, let’s go, get our snake and snack on!” hollered Sage.

  Really, she was cute, even if sometimes annoying.

  “OK, we are on our way,” I answered.

  Chapter 22

  I’d just gotten back from Jenson’s. No one was home. Mom and Megan were probably out eating, a late dinner or shopping. I took advantage of it, kicking up my feet on the coffee table in the living room. It was only eight O’clock, but Jenson and his folks had plans with relatives. It sounded like some kind of family movie night. Why wasn’t I invited? Had he not told his parents, we were dating?

  I opened my backpack taking out the magazine Jones had given me. Why not get some reading in, after all, it might help me with the case and my academic issues. I’d only gotten glimpses of my clan, and my parent’s lives prior to my existence. As a human, my spirit animal had to be a fox or was this spirit animal thing only for tribes resembling Owls? I knew people’s beliefs differed but couldn’t one adopt another’s values into their own life? I mean, why would that be so offensive to them, and would it be? Ugh, maybe my mentality is all mixed up.

  Flicking through the pages of the booklet, I turned until I found the fox. It read:

  “If you happen to meet this spirit animal it can be a guide or a trickster. You may want to pay attention to the people around you and your or their circumstances. Gain the ability to adapt to observe for you may have to take action of some kind to overcome obstacles in your way or a problem in daily life.”

  It reads like a horoscope, not what I expected of a pamphlet type mag on spirit animals. I had been thinking more of the kind that legends of tribes claimed could transform from a human form into an animal. I guess, maybe that was more of the shapeshifter variety?

  Owl’s eyes had gotten really large in Jones’s class the other day. It made me curious. Quickly, I leafed through the article till I found the Owl staring at me. It was a regular one too, not a White, or a horned. I was curious if this summary pertained to all Owls.

  When the Owl is your spirit guide, a veil is lifted. You’re able to see the true reality of things, past deceit and illusions, others may place before you, finding what is hidden not only by others but from them as well. The owl is wise and must use his knowledge carefully.

  That did resemble Owl, but how could he be a spirit animal? Did Owl give him visions akin to my fox clan? Well, one of the members, from the past or someone from our clan sent me that revelation about the cabin. Logically, even though I am part fox, wouldn’t a fox be my spirit guide? It seemed so at any rate. What could, Molly’s spirit animal be or Jenson’s? Did it have anything to do with their personalities? Owl, would know! I got up from the couch rifling through my bag to find my cell. I unlocked it. I had two missed calls both from my mother. She hadn’t left me a voice mail. I hit the call button, one ring, two rings, three rings...

  Come on mom pick up!

  I heard a click, then nothing, then click. Maybe her phone was dead? It had happened before. If Megan was with her, she’d have her phone. I dialed that number.

  After a few rings she answered.

  “Hi, sis, what’s up?” asked Megan.

  “Mom tried to call me twice. When I called her, she didn’t answer,” I replied.

  “Her phone’s dead. The Library is having a special showing of “Great Expectations,” the film. It was made in 1946.”

  “Mom’s letting you see it then. Have you finished the book?”

  “Yes, just the other day. Did you want us to swing by to pick you up?” Megan asked.

  “I am kind of in the middle of something for Myth class. Then I have to go over my notes for the test on Friday,” I replied.

  “Oh, I was just sort of hoping we could do that sister thing, you keep promising. We hung out at the mall, but that was mom’s idea. This kind of is too. I just thought it would be fun since you said how much you enjoyed the book,” hinted Megan.

  “I could put studying on hold for the
rest of tonight. Tomorrow evening I’ll ask Molly over to cram. Just don’t bother us.

  “But you need to study,” Megan interrupted.

  “Yes, I do,” I admitted. “Studying will happen tomorrow, tonight my Lil sis comes first.”

  “YES! I’ll tell mom you said OK, we’ll pick you up say... in about ten minutes. The movie is starting at nine-fifteen,” she blurted hanging up.

  I pressed the red button on my phone. I’d be attending a vintage film tonight. The last time I’d seen that old B&W was in high school. I pranced into the kitchen and patted Frits on his head. He was sitting next to his water dish.

  “No one gave you water today?” I asked him.

  He made some growling noises at me as I took his dish over to the sink. I filled it with liquid and placed it back on the floor next to him.

  “There you go, boy. Now, watch over the house when I’m gone.”

  He made a few sad noises at me. I gave him some more pets before heading out of the room into the hall. I took my coat off of the hanger and put it on. Then stood looking out the front door waiting for them. I’d hoped that Megan had some of her candy stash with her. I could use some sugar. The library sometimes served refreshments with features. Perhaps they would have popcorn?

  I shielded my eyes as the headlights approached the curb, illuminating our small porch. My mother pulled up into the driveway in her blue bug. I rattled my keys, yep, they were still in my coat pocket. I shut the door and locked it behind me. Afterwards, heading to the car. I’d certainly sleep well tonight. I would be surprised if we got home any earlier than eleven. There was sure to be a discussion on the film later for students. My sister loved stuff like that!

  I’d been right, the discussion had gone, a bit longer than my mother had intended.

  “Can we get going?” I asked impatiently.

  “Soon, your sister needs to finish up so she can prepare for the essay. She will have to compare and contrast the two different media’s,” spoke my mother.

  I gathered up my coat and went to sit in the back of the room to wait. It had been a nice evening. My sister and I giggled at the right parts of the film. Mrs. Havasham was our favorite character.