by Rey, Solomon
She heard Mark cry louder from the living room where he watched, trembling. He cried out, “Mommy!”
“When I’m done with you, I’ll make your kid shut up,” Jed said.
“Jed, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to be disrespectful. Please let me go!” She pleaded, as he held tightly to her brown curly hair.
“I’ll let you go, when I want to let you go…you understand?” Spit flew from his mouth, like an angry dog snapping at it’s quarry. She turned her head to avoid getting sprayed. He led her down the hall to the living room, without a struggle. All she wanted was to get out of there without her or her son getting hurt.
They stood by the fireplace, as he tugged harder on her hair. “Jed! You’re hurting me!” She exclaimed. He laughed. He enjoyed degrading and humiliating her, as his laughter continued.
She eyed a glass snow globe she had bought at the House of Myrtlewood sitting on the mantle—if she could only reach it.
“Jed, please stop, I’ll do anything,” she begged.
While he pondered her statement, she felt his grip let up just enough to allow her to act. Her arm shot out, snatched the globe, turning toward him, causing herself great pain in the process, as he pulled her hair harder. Her adrenaline was flowing, which allowed her to push the pain away. She wasn’t just fighting for her life—but for Mark’s too.
She slammed the glass into the side of his head with a crack, missing his temple by mere centimeters. He released her hair and fell to the ground like a rag doll. He was out cold! She found her keys and grabbed her purse, not even bothering to look at Jed.
“Come on Mark! Let’s get outta here, baby,” she said sweetly, “We’re going to go to Nana’s house,” his tears slowed, “You want to see Nana?” He nodded his approval, a smile appeared on his tiny face. She found their travel bag, grabbed Mark and left Jed’s house.
They approached her old Nissan Sentra, strapping Mark securely into his carseat and kissing him before she climbed in. “I love you, baby and I’m so sorry.” She saw his innocent little face smiling at her.
“I love you, Mommy!” He said adoringly. How could I subject him to this? She thought, well, never again.
She climbed in and in moments, they were on the 101 North—out of Bandon, headed for Coos Bay/North bend.
* * *
Olivia ran at a scorching speed, she didn’t tire and her breathing was smooth and easy as though she were taking a stroll through the park. She was running at a blistering speed as if she could escape her life and the reality of it. She wanted everything the way it used to be, before she became a freak or had to always worry about hurting someone; on purpose or accidently. I didn’t ask for this, she thought, and I don’t friggin’ want it!
The trees zoomed past her in a blur as she sped down the 101. It was early morning, too early for most people to be on the road, except maybe the occasional logging truck delivering it’s much needed load to Eugene.
She’d been out on the road for thirteen minutes—pumped up by the speed. She wanted to go faster and faster, but was concerned; what if she went so fast she couldn’t stop or move out of the way if a deer or car happened onto the road.
* * *
Sheila had been on the 101 for only a few minutes, having difficulty seeing the road through her tears. I’m never going back to him, she told herself. I deserve so much better than Jed. Why does it seem like I fall for every loser in town? Tough guys, more muscles than brains, more insecurities than you can count. It’s a pattern I need to break, and I need to make that change now, for Mark. I need to consider him next time before I start another relationship.
As she continued driving, distracted by her thoughts, she didn’t see the deer crossing the road till it was too late. She braked and attempted to swerve at the same time, she turned the steering wheel too sharply sending the Sentra into a roll over. The roar of crushing metal and shattering glass echoed through the woods. Sheila was tossed around,
her head slammed against the steering wheel multiple times. Mark’s head was held securely in place by his car seat. He reflexively shut his eyes, shielding them against flying glass. The car came to rest, upside down on the side of the road; fuel leaking from the gas line. Within seconds, flames engulfed the car. Sheila—unconscious.
* * *
Olivia heard the unmistakable sound of a car crash. She came to an abrupt stop, focusing all her attention on the sounds and smells wafting in the air: A small child crying, blood, gas, smoke and fire, assaulted her senses. She didn’t think about what needed to be done. She knew people were in danger and instinctively sprinted at top speed. Within moments she was standing next to the upside down Sentra lying in the gully. She could see a woman in the front seat and a little boy in the back—strapped in and flailing about, crying.
“Mommy…Mommy!” Mark cried out—no answer.
The flames quickly consumed the car; unless she acted quickly, both mother and child would perish. With disregard for herself, she stepped into the flames, ripping the doors completely off their hinges as thought they were rice paper. She smelled her skin, as it began to char. It tingled, but was not painful. She immediately removed the child’s carseat, from the back, taking him far enough away so he couldn’t be hurt. She went back for the woman, grabbing hold and quickly shuffling her away. Mother and child were safely reunited.
Mark smiled at Olivia, his eyes fixated on her every move, hoping to see her do something else. He was amazed by what she was able to do. He was only four, but he knew no one could rip car doors away or walk through fire, except on t.v.
After Olivia sat Sheila down next to Mark, the Sentra exploded, sending shrapnel shooting everywhere. She covered the two with her body, protecting them as a shard of metal shot into her back, grimacing from the pain, which was sharp but not debilitating. Reaching around, she found it protruding and pulled it out. She could feel the wound seal up.
She turned to Mark and his mother, which was the first chance she had to get a good look at them.
“Mark!” She said, “Your name is Mark!” It was obvious he didn’t place her face. She assumed it was due to a combination of factors: Shock; it was dark; and she was filthy.
He nodded enthusiastically, “What’s your name?”
“Call me…Angel,” It’s the only name that came to mind. She didn’t want to give her real name. Being a small town and there being very few Olivia’s, it wouldn’t take long before they tracked her down, and she didn’t want people asking questions.
“You’re an Angel?” He asked, with wide eyes and a smile.
“Yes, I am,” she smiled as she tapped his nose playfully. She had always liked Mark. I must look terrible for him not to recognize me, she thought.
“Is my mommy going to wake up,” he asked, looking at Sheila.
Olivia centered her mind on her hearing. She listened intently, picking up his mother’s heart beat—it was strong.
“Mark, mommy’s going to be fine, she’s just taking a nap. Would you like me to stay until she wakes?”
“Ya.”
“Olivia glanced at the burning car, recalling the smell of her skin, smouldering. She inspected her appendages, finding no visual signs of burns, singed hair or scar tissue.
“How do you feel?” She asked, “Do you hurt anywhere?”
“No!” He said cheerfully, “All angels strong like you?”
“Stronger and bigger!” She replied.
Olivia heard distant sirens, as Sheila began to stir; moaning as her eyes fluttered.
“I have to go Mark,” she said. Since he thought she was an angel, why not let him believe it. “Will you make me a promise?”
“Ya!”
“Will you promise me you will be a good boy, because you know I’ll be watching you?” She said semi-seriously.
“I promise,” he said sincerely. She kissed him on his cheek and waved bye as she dashed off.
* * *
She raced home with her head in the clouds, ecstatic about
the recent events. It was evident that Sheila and Mark would have died without her help and she wouldn’t have been able to help them, if she hadn’t been injected with Chromosome ‘S’. She had saved two lives tonight. How many more could she rescue or hele in dire situations. She had never done a heroic thing in her life, unless standing up for Derek, would fall into that category, but tonight she had…and it was amazing.
Before she knew it, she was standing in front of her house. She must have been on auto-pilot, because she had no recollection of the trip home. She had been too deep in thought.
She walked through the door beaming with excitement, to find her father, Donna and Derek sitting at the kitchen table. Almost spilling his coffee, Richard’s drink went down the wrong way, as soon as he’d seen her. He began to cough as Donna came out of her stupor to help him recover; Derek sat with his mouth open, full of Hot Pockets. Man they smelled good, she thought, I could go for about eight of em.
“Hi,” Olivia said.
No response came—only silence.
“Hello!” She waved her hands in the air, trying to gain their attention.
SILENCE
“Are you guys mad at me?” She asked, knowing they had every right to be. “Are you okay, Derek” I’m so sorry!” Her apology was genuine.
They remained stunned. Derek broke the silence. “What happened to you?”
“What do you mean?” Olivia asked.
“Well…Honey,” Donna began, “Besides the fact that you’re filthy you…” She was at a loss for words.
“What?” She asked with a hint of annoyance.
“Well—,” Richard began only to be interrupted by Derek.
“You’re huge!” He exclaimed bluntly, “And you look like you’re wearing a bikini,” he said with raised eyebrows.
She had no clue what he was talking about. She glanced down at her tank top and shorts. What she saw blew her mind. The shorts she had put on before bed, which were
baggy and hung a few inches above her knee, now looked more like bikini bottoms. It was a good thing they had an elastic waist band. Her tank top was now a half top. She had grown, not only upward, but out ward.
“Oh…My…God!” Olivia said, shocked by her transformation, “I have boobs!!” She announced ecstatically.
“Olivia, I think you should go take a good shower, then we’ll talk about where you’ve been and what you’ve been into,” Richard directed, “Donna, can you find something for her to wear?”
“Yeah, I think I have a few things that will fit her,” Donna said, “We’re going to have to have a girls-day-out and go buy you some new clothes.” She glanced at Richard. He nodded his agreement.
Derek couldn’t stop staring at Olivia. She wasn’t the same person she had been yesterday. Internally, she was the same person, but externally, she was totally different—more mature.
CHAPTER XX
Olivia stood in the bathroom in front of the full-length mirror with her shorts and tank top on. She fought the desire to giggle, as she examined herself. There were so many reasons that made her want to laugh out loud: that she looked ridiculous wearing clothes six to seven times to0 small; that she could barely see her face through all the dirt and grime, and her body was equally as filthy; that she had grown fourteen inches taller than she was two days prior; also she now had a chest, which she began to believe she would never have. Now she would have to start wearing a bra, and was elated about it; that she had saved the lives of two people, who would have died if it hadn’t been for her and Chromosome’s’. All these reasons combined, gave her a feeling of sheer joy.
She ripped her shirt from her body, which was easier than trying to pull it over her head. She admired her breasts in the reflection, she turned every which way to see them at all angles. “Cool,” she whispered, “Finally, yea!!!”
She stripped her shorts off. She was in awe of herself, though it was more like looking at someone else’s body. She still felt that four-foot-seven-little-girl inside.
Turning the water on, she stepped into the shower, not bothering to adjust the temperature. It wouldn’t matter anymore; hot or cold it didn’t faze her.
She washed quickly, but thoroughly, toweling off. She turned back to the mirror to gaze at herself once more. It was amazing!
Focusing on her face, she noted her bone structure was sharply defined; skin practically glowed; and her eyes, somehow seemed—bigger and brighter.
“Wow! I’m gorgeous!” She said. She had never been a conceited person, in any sense of the word, but this was different. She was admiring a complete and total stranger.
She noted her hair had grown ten inches. Whereas, it used to be shoulder length, it cascaded down to the middle of her back fuller and much healthier looking.
* * *
The adults sat around the kitchen table waiting for Olivia to emerge, while Derek cleaned his mess from the Hot Pockets. He quickly sat down when Olivia entered wearing a black addidas tracksuit, which had been too big for Donna, but fit her perfectly. She joined them beaming with excitement; she had so much to tell them.
Their minds were finding it difficult to grasp the overnight changes in Olivia. She was beautiful and radiant; full of confidence and vitality.
Richard wanted to hug her and thank God she was alright but there were issues they needed to discuss. He had scores of questions he wanted to ask, but the most important ones concerned her nightmares. Both times they occurred she hurt someone: the first nightmare was related to Brenda’s murder; was the second dream connected to the first? He had an overwhelming feeling they were. Why all of a sudden, were the dreams assaulting her subconscious? Are these lost memories resurfacing due to Chromosome ‘S’? And are her nightmares a sign that the serum has begun to ameliorate her brain?
“We need to talk,” Richard said seriously.
“Yeah we do! I’ve got a lot to tell you!” Olivia said excitedly, rolling her eyes, “But can I eat first? I’m really starving.”
“Sounds about right,” Derek said, “I can get you a couple of Hot Pockets,” he volunteered.
“Mmmmm! Sounds so good right now,” she said with a hungry smile, “Can you make it six?” He got up eagerly, clearly favoring his ribs, “Derek,” she said softly to get his attention, “I’m so sorry. You know I’d never intentionally hurt you.” He grinned. “I’m fine! It takes a lot more than getting kicked in the chest by a mule to ruin my day.” he said light-heartedly, “Don’t worry about it, I still like you…this time.” She laughed.
“Honey, are you okay?” Donna asked. She couldn’t help herself. She hugged her. The strong aroma of vanilla filled Olivia’s nose. Donna hug was awesome—perfect! She hadn’t realized, until that moment that she needed one.
“I’m fine…actually…I’m better than that…I’m great!” She said cheerfully.
Derek giggled as he waited by the microwave for the timer to ding! “What’s so funny,” Donna inquired.
“She reminded me of Tony the Tiger,” he chuckled. They stared at him with blank faces, “Sorry.”
“Olivia, we need to talk about these nightmares you are having,” Richard said, “I need you to describe them to me, then we need to discuss what happened after you left here, okay.”
“Okay,” she replied, “Where do we start?”
“The first dream you had involved your mother—what happened?”
Derek handed Olivia a plate with steaming Hot Pockets, “They’re still super hot, so be careful.”
She ignored his warning and bit into the first one, Derek watched her intently. Don’t listen to me, he thought, I warned you! He expected her to burn her mouth, but—nothing. She chomped down on it as though it were lukewarm.
“The first dream was almost the same as the second, only the second was much more clear. In the dreams, I can see the knife with blood dripping from it…I can see the painful look on my mom’s face. She stares at me, as she dies…reaching for me. I can almost make out the man’s face,” she says sadly.<
br />
“What man?” Richard asked eagerly.
“The man who killed her. I watch the images over and over and I get so angry because I feel so helpless. Does this have anything to do with Chromosome ‘S’ cuz I’ve never had dreams about my mom before.
“I believe it does,” he said confidently, “As I had explained to Donna earlier, the brain is the most complex organ in the human body. This is where we will see the most significant changes, but it will take longer for these transformations to come to light. My educated guess is that Chromosome ‘S’ is starting to affect your memory. It’s bringing back memories from your childhood, that have been locked away in your subconscious.
“So, I’m going to continue to have these nightmares?”
“Most likely,” Richard said.
His answer frightened her. How many more people am I going to hurt and how badly would they be injured, she thought.
“I doubt anyone will try to wake you up again,” Derek said, holding his ribs.
She looked at Derek, back to her Dad, “What did I do to him? How badly did I hurt him?” She asked apprehensively.
“You broke a couple of ribs,” he said softly.
Her head hung low. Derek saw the tear drops splash on the tiled floor. She would rather die than hurt him, but she had, she also hurt her father, who sat in front of her with a cast on his hand: A constant reminder of how dangerous she can be.
Derek went to her. “Hey, I’m okay…please don’t cry Olivia,” he said pleadingly,
“If you cry—then I’ll cry and you know how I get. Snot everywhere! It’s really, really gross.” Olivia chucked lightly, hugging him gently.
Donna moved in, caressing her shoulders, attempting to sooth her.