Redemption

by Dexx Peay

  That I could just be like everyone else.

  Be normal.

  Be human.

  I glanced over at Monica’s body that was carved into my own as she slept. This was one of those times. Even though we came here to discuss how we are all about to go to war with our loves ones, it was a good escape from reality.

  She grunted and her breathing picked up. I pushed her hair away so I could see her face. We both smiled as her eyes started to open.

  “Can we just stay here forever?” she said.

  “Your breath stinks,” I laughed.

  She nudged me and my hands attacked her sides. She couldn’t control her laughing as her body curled.

  “Stop… stop it Marcus,” she laughed.

  I stopped and rolled to the opposite side of the bed before she tried to tickle me. She wrestled the sheets and got on all fours. I hopped off the bed, laughing the whole time. She shook her crazy hair, which didn’t help; it only made it wilder—like a lion’s mane. She pounced off the bed and I froze her mid-air before she could assault me.

  “Hey,” she said, looking around.

  “You mad?” I smirked.

  “Let me go and find out.”

  “Fine.”

  Her body flew around the room before she was gently pinned to the door. I ran over and ran my hand from the front of her neck to the back. I leaned her forward and began kissing her—pushing her hair out my face whenever it would fall over. She wrapped her legs around my waist and I released my psychic hold on her.

  A bang on the door startled us—interrupting before kissing led to something else.

  “Let’s go kids, Black Bear has food ready,” Julius said.

  Monica released her legs and slid down the door. My forehead fell onto hers.

  “Did he really just call Hudson, Black Bear?” I laughed out loud. “Guess it’s time to eat.”

  We threw on something simple and went downstairs. Hudson was in the kitchen looking out of place.

  “I toasted some waffles, put some bacon in the oven, and even scrambled some eggs. Who said guys can’t cook?” Hudson bellowed confidently.

  Nobody said anything. We all just looked at the burnt bacon and dried out eggs. I don’t think anyone wanted to hurt his feeling since he did try.

  “Who you think eating this mess, War Eagle?” Julius said. I cracked up on the inside. “Little miss sunshine, you think you can salvage what’s left of the food?”

  “Well the waffles look edible,” I said.

  “I got this,” Monica interrupted.

  Hudson walked out the kitchen and Monica took over. We all took a seat at the table, while Julius went over the plan again.

  “So Lone Wolf is going to send the message to Dylan telling him whatever will get his attention and the others. Yesterday, Benny and I found the spot where this battle will take place. Marcus you’re going to call your buddy and get him over here or let me handle it if he refuses.”

  “Have we picked a date?” Hudson said.

  “It has to be a weekend,” I jumped in. “It can’t interfere with class.”

  “The sooner the better. You guys let us know how things are looking on your part and get back with us,” Julius said.

  We ate and hung around for a few more hours before we all packed and went back to our crazy everyday lives. We dropped Monica off at her dorm first. Hudson and Sam decided to stay in their own room. They couldn’t go back to sleeping on the floor after sleeping on a bed that probably cost more than my education.

  I couldn’t blame them.

  They dropped me off and I went up to my room.

  Charlie and Gunner asked if I wanted to go to a party later that night. Wasn’t too sure, had some studying and homework I had tackle that I’d been neglecting. I sat at my desk and a knock at the door interrupted me before I could even crack open a book.

  “Ugrr,” I growled.

  I got up and walked to the door.

  It was Malcolm.

  “Hey… Marcus, how’s it been,” he said peeking inside. “Dylan here?”

  “Not sure where Dylan is at the moment, I actually just walked in myself.”

  I wasn’t interested in lying about Dylan yet again.

  “He has not been returning my phone calls or anything. I just wanted to make sure he was okay.”

  “Join the club,” I mumbled.

  “What was that?”

  “Nothing. I’ll let him know when he comes home that you stopped by.”

  “Okay. And, if you ever want to hang out one day, shoot some pool or something I would be down. I still do not have many friends here and as exciting as this city is, I get kind of bored.”

  “Sure.”

  “Well, I will let you get back too…um… yeah, tell Dylan to hit me back.”

  He finally got the hint that I was about to slam the door in his face. I went back to my room to finish studying. I pulled the journals out and placed them on my desk and started to write:

  We are getting close, real close, I can feel it. We rescued one that had been controlled by a chip. He has the power my plan is missing but getting him to hop on board will be the hard part. Within a few weeks Dylan and Hachi will be back with us and things can go back to normal, well, normal for us. This whole experience has caused me to have some serious trust issues. How did any Xarponian ever balance the life mapped out for us and try to fit in? After this semester, a much-needed vacation is in order. Hmmm, vacation? I’ve never been on a real vacation where I can go somewhere and relax. There was that trip to the beach last year with the guys and this weekend at the Hamptons.

  I wonder what Dylan and Monica will think about going to Hawaii? Or Maybe Florida? Dylan does have family there so that could be nice. Imani will have to come if Monica comes with us. A couple’s retreat. What age do people start doing that? Gosh… life is so complicated.

  -Marcus Ferrari

  I closed the book and rested the side of my head on my palms. I sighed, opened another book and started to randomly flip pages. It was book one I think. I stopped on a page that was in English. I didn’t read it yet because I wanted to make sure it was the right one. I looked at the cover, turned to the first page and there was a “1” on it. I went back to the page and the whole thing was in English.

  I started to read.

  My reign as King must now come to an end. Today I will crown my daughter as Queen of the Zhao region. She has proven to be skilled and knowledgeable and very humble. I will pass along my book to her and continue to teach her as much as I know. Qihar made a mistake the day they invaded my planet and took my family from me—they let me live. I made a vow that day that I would continue to keep my people’s name alive. The spirit of Xarpore will live forever—I promise.

  -King Shangaleese

  “Holy crap,” I gasped. “I can read Xarponese. Xarponese Marcus, really? Oh great now I’m talking to myself. Dylan wasn’t lying. If we both can read it, that must mean… maybe all stars can read it for some reason, maybe so the language would never die. What the heck really happened when they passed that glowing light?”

  I wanted to read more but the shapes and squiggles took over the pages again. I flipped through and they were all like that. I had to exercise this power so I could read it whenever I wanted. Maybe if I can really learn to decipher it, I could teach other Xarponians how to read and write. I closed the book and climbed into bed and drifted away.

  You’re Still a Pawn

  All I could hear was the phone ringing over and over again. I felt around the bed until I had it in my hands, held it to my face but couldn’t see who it was. I didn’t want to answer but I did.

  “Lo?”

  “Wake up partner we got dancing to do.”

  “Gunner?”

  “There you go now come on and answer the door.”

  I guess he just assumed that I wanted to party because I never said no.

  “Are you here?” I yawned.

  “Ring-a-ding-ding.”


  I hung up.

  I buried my face into the pillow and screamed.

  I really wanted to sleep until class, but I knew if I didn’t get up, Gunner would break the door down with just one knock. I walked to the door and let him in.

  “YEE-HAW!” he screamed.

  I wasn’t excited and either he couldn’t tell or he didn’t care. I started walking back to the room and he put his arm around me and walked next to me.

  “We just need to get you dressed and out these doors.”

  “I don’t have anything to wear.”

  “Sure you do.”

  He walked to my closet and opened it. A few pair of raggedy jeans, t-shirts, and sweatshirts was as far as my wardrobe went unless he wanted me to wear my sweats or ball shorts.

  “Oh wow, you ain’t kiddin’ there.”

  He walked out the room and my head followed. I saw him headed towards Dylan’s room.

  “Oh no, Gunner get out of there!” I panicked.

  “Come on, Dylan has some style.” He ruffled through the expensive suits and blazers in his closet. “Ahh, I think this is you.” He pulled out some slacks and a red-buttoned shirt. “Try this on.”

  He walked back and shoved the clothes to my chest. I took my clothes off and put them on. It was awkward.

  “Are the pants supposed to be this tight?”

  I pulled the crotch down so it wouldn’t hurt to walk but the pants didn’t move. Gunner stood back with his chin in his hands.

  “Quit fidgeting Marcus. Now, button and tuck your shirt. Nope. Take the shirt off.”

  “Um, okay.”

  “Now your undershirt.”

  “Now what?” I took the undershirt off.

  “Put the shirt back on.”

  I put the shirt back on and tucked it in. Gunner walked in front of me.

  “Don’t button it all the way up.” He undid the top two buttons. “Don’t be afraid to show a little chest.”

  The shirt was just as tight as the pants were. He handed me a belt and I put it on. He walked to my closet.

  “Well least you have a pair of shoes.”

  He handed me the barely used loafers. I put them on and pushed me to the mirror. I stood there — awkward with my shoulders slumped over. He wrapped his arm around me and pulled me to his side.

  “Now you look like you are ready to party.”

  The mirror told me something different. I looked more like him, well the city version. His tight jeans and tucked in plaid shirt that had the top two buttons undone almost exposing his massive chest was the twilight version of what he’d picked out for me.

  “Gunner, I look like you.”

  “Nonsense.”

  He hugged me tighter. I thought my shoulder was going to bruise from being pressed against his ribcage.

  “You’re black and I’m white.”

  I grunted. “That’s not what I meant Gunner...ahh...just forget it. Where’s Charlie?”

  “Already there, let’s saddle up and get movin’.”

  “Where is this party anyways?”

  He started walking out the room to the front door.

  “East Village. It’s at a loft.”

  “You sure you’re from Texas?”

  We went downstairs and caught a bus to E.1st Street. This side of town was one I could never afford to live. Maybe after I graduate medical school and pay off some loans I could, but until then, dorm life would have to work.

  We walked up to the building. I looked up and music blasted from the rooftop.

  “Looks like this is it,” Gunner said.

  “Gunner, how did you even find out about this party?”

  He didn’t answer, just walked inside.

  We got off the elevator and the party smacked us in the face. Gunner stepped out and I followed. He started to dance, rhythmless, through the crowd of both intoxicated dancing clowns and sober sweethearts who were too cute to move from the corner.

  He greeted people as he weaved through and I just waved to every person he knew. I wasn’t the party guy. I’d rather spend my night in a book, or flying around the City.

  “What do you want to drink?” Gunner asked.

  Was this a trick question? I didn’t know what to say. It was about as much pressure as when the waitress asks you for your drink order.

  “Coke.”

  “Follow me.”

  I followed him to the stairs that led to the roof. There was more music and more people with beer pong tables, and tables that had nothing but liquor on them. Gunner walked up to a cooler and pulled out two cokes and handed one to me.

  “You want to get in on a game of beer pong?” Gunner asked.

  “I don’t drink beer.”

  “Come on Marcus. You don’t have to drink the beer if you’re winning…”

  I didn’t know how to play beer pong. I’ve heard about it and seen it on a few movies but that was it. He explained the rules and convinced me to play. The opponents had already won three games straight. They were first. They both tossed their balls one right after each other.

  One hit.

  “I’ll take the first cup.” Gunner picked it up and downed it.

  Our turn.

  Gunner pick up the ball and tossed it. He missed. I tossed it and missed the table completely. The other guys laughed and the spectators joined in. They tossed again and both made it into a cup. I picked one up and took the ball out.

  “Just drink it,” Gunner pressured.

  He downed his second cup and I did too. It was harsh on my tongue, just disgusting. It tasted awful and my stomach churned.

  “Awful.” I put the cup down.

  It was our turn again and I went first. I missed again but Gunner landed one. The game went on and I got tired of drinking beer. There was one cup on our side and seven on theirs. I sucked at beer pong but Gunner didn’t care. I couldn’t drink another cup of beer so he was drinking the last one when we lost.

  It was our turn again.

  “Wish me luck,” Gunner said. He tossed the ball and missed. “Your turn partner.”

  I held the ball in my hand and put it between my thumb and middle finger. I drew my hand back and before I flicked it, I put my hand back down.

  I was so stupid.

  Why would I drink beer that tastes like sewage when we could have been easily winning this game…

  I’m telekinetic.

  Duh!

  I raised my hand back and tossed the ball and beer droplets splashed out the cup.

  “HEY!” Gunner cheered.

  I smiled.

  It was game on.

  It was their turn and they weren’t getting any more balls into the beer. They both tossed the balls and they bounced off the rims of the cups. Gunner and I shot again. Perfect shots. We ended the game and won with people cheering for us. We played another perfect round and ended on top.

  Gunner wanted to play another round but I declined because I was getting bored, then he started drinking all the cups of beer that the other team couldn’t hit for some reason. I drank one cup cause he asked me to join.

  Gunner walked off and I started to walk around on my own. I don’t know why but I just started talking to random people and they seemed cool with it. I walked to a table and I got a cup that had something mixed with orange and pineapple juice with a few splashes of something I was unfamiliar with.

  I was surprisingly have a great time.

  I crossed paths with Gunner a few times throughout the loft. Soon enough the music felt like was getting louder and I became a bit dizzy. I walked back to the roof and an arm wrapped around me. Luckily, he helped stabilize me because I tripped on the last step.

  “Whoa there buddy,” the guy said.

  I put my hand to my head and tried to get myself together.

  “Ahh,” I groaned. “Thanks bro.”

  He walked me to the ledge to get away and get some fresh air.

  “Nice shirt,” he flicked my collar. I finally looked up and it was Dylan. “I have
one in my closet which you obviously been in.”

  “Dylan,” I gasped. “I… I…”

  “Yeah,” he said.

  He stood in front of me and grabbed my collar, choking my neck.

  “Don’t… touch… my… shit.” His eyes turned blue and all I could do was square him the eye.

  “Hey guys what’s up?”

  A guy walked up to us and placed his hand on Dylan’s shoulder and his grip loosened. He brushed my shirt off and fixed my collar, as if none of it ever happened.

  “Were good man,” Dylan said.

  They both walked off. I was over partying and just wanted to go home before things took a wrong turn. I walked around until I found Gunner. He was dancing with some girl next to Charlie with a cup in his hand.

  “Gunner,” I yelled.

  I didn’t want to tell him that I saw Dylan here or he would want to see him. I didn’t want Dylan to try and hurt Gunner if he interrogated him.

  “Gunner,” I yelled again.

  I tapped him and he turned around but that only caused him to cheer on more. I told him I was going to go ahead and leave. He said he wasn’t ready to go. I assured him I would be okay to get back safely.

  I fought through the drunken crowd of people who started to have attitudes whenever you bumped into them.

  Like the place wasn’t crowded.

  I got to the elevator, then outside and sat on the sidewalk to gather myself and shake the liquor off. Figured I just needed to sleep. Wanted to fly home to get there faster but I wasn’t sure if there was a law of no drinking and flying. I walked, more like stumbled a little but I was okay.