LAMENT OF PURGATORY (ASHWOOD CHRONICLES #1)

by Brandon Chandler

  Ethan was ready. However, once the culprit on the other side was revealed to be Dominic, Ethan raised the parasol even higher.

  Dominic’s eyes skimmed over Ethan. “What’s up with the umbrella?”

  Kori stammered to find a reply while Ethan wasted little time shouting and waving the umbrella at Dominic.

  “Are you insane? Why in the world are you even here at this hour?”

  “Stand down killer.” Dominic said flashing Ethan a boyish grin.

  He lowered the umbrella and ceased his angry rambling.

  “Are you going to invite me in?”

  After a long pause, Ethan cleared his throat. “The house isn’t quite ready for visitors yet.”

  Dominic brushed passed both siblings. Moving about the living room he seemed unaffected by the disorganized space.

  “Y-you can’t-” Ethan began but stopped himself as he felt a sharp pain in the middle of his stomach. He glared towards Kori as she lowered her elbow from his abdomen.

  “Be nice. He’s here for our project...I think.”

  He swore under his breath and closed the living room door.

  “Welcome to our humble abode,” Kori said with a curtsy.

  “So where is your room?” Dominic stopped at the staircase.

  “Why?” Ethan demanded.

  Dominic sighed, “she and I have a project that’s due tomorrow.”

  “It’ll be fine,” Kori said as she ushered her guest up the stairwell.

  “You know the rules, keep the door open at all times when we have guests over!” Ethan shouted after them.

  “Ok, mom,” Dominic barked back.

  Ethan folded his arms as he heard Kori snickering at the remark.

  Mom?

  I’m more of a protective brother.

  He glared up at the stairwell. “Keep the door open. I’ll be listening,” he shouted

  “Now you sound like a creepy uncle,” Dominic retorted.

  UPON REACHING THE TOP-level, Kori led Dominic to her room. She flipped a switch and the once dark area became illuminated. Like the living room, Kori’s bedroom was disorganized.

  “I thought girls were neat freaks,” Dominic said. He pushed aside a heap of Clothing to make room on a love seat. Beside piles of random clothing lying about the room, more unopened moving boxes were also spread around the area. The only clearing he could spot was the bed.

  “Yeah...no,” Kori said dryly. “As far as Ethan knows I’m done with the unpacking.”

  She sat gracefully at the edge of her bed opposite Dominic. “Let’s get started.”

  He nodded.

  “Doing this over the phone would have been easier,” she said. “But we don’t have our landline yet.”

  Dominic fixed Kori with a puzzled glance.

  Her face crumbled in embarrassment. “Like I said before, our parents are old fashioned.”

  Dominic shrugged. “I broke my cell phone while traveling through Europe over the summer. And I haven’t had the time to replace it.”

  Kori wandered over to her backpack. Within seconds she pulled free two notebooks and pencils. She handed Dominic one of each and returned to her original area, sitting with legs crossed.

  “I wonder if this is the room he died in,” he said glaring around the messy room.

  “What?” Kori shouted uncrossing her legs and sitting forward.

  “A senile old man died in this house a few years ago.”

  Kori gasped. “Seriously?”

  Dominic fixed Kori with a solemn grim expression and shook his head.

  She covered her mouth. “My parents never mentioned it.”

  “It was due to natural causes if that helps.”

  Kori rubbed her chin. “I really hope you’re kidding.”

  Dominic didn’t continue the conversation, but instead asked, “Where are your parents?”

  The sound of his voice shifted her thoughts.

  “My mom is working the night shift at the local hospital. She’s a nurse and Ethan’s dad is also working late. There is no telling what time he will be home.”

  Dominic sat upright as he began to jot down notes on his pad. “He works for my uncle, right?”

  Kori nodded. “Why do you call him your uncle when he’s like your adoptive father?”

  “He’s my biological father’s uncle...After my dad died, he took me and Hayden in.”

  “I’m sorry,” Kori said softly. “I lost my dad too.”

  A pause. They both looked at their knees awkwardly.

  “What about Hayden and Brianna?” Kori said at last.

  “Hayden and I are actually blood brothers. We have the same dad, but different moms and Brianna is our adoptive sister. They’re not perfect, but Brianna and Hayden are all I have.”

  Kori hung her head, reeling under the barrage of emotions from Dominic’s voice. The confidence and strength he once displayed was infused with uncertainty and sadness.

  He then piped up, “My turn to ask a few questions.”

  Kori smiled, “I’m an open book.”

  “Why did you dye your hair silver?”

  “It’s actually my natural hair color,” Kori answered flatly. “No one believes it though, but it’s true.”

  “I believe you,” Dominic said, letting his voice trail off. Then he seemed to come back to himself.

  “Most people say the same about Brianna’s magenta eyes.”

  He glared up at Kori, his eyes roaming her features. “Kids often called her a witch or a devil worshipper.”

  Kori’s eyes mirrored her shock.

  He turned away, “But Hayden and I always have her back.”

  “The three of you must share a special bond.”

  “We’re not as close as we used to be,” Dominic admitted. “What about you and the nerd...are the two of you close?”

  Kori frowned. “His name is Ethan and he’s a good person. If you got to know him, you would see it too.”

  “I doubt it.” Dominic countered.

  Kori huffed. “He’s very responsible and my voice of reason,” she paused with a giggle. “Not to mention my knight in shining armor...ever since kindergarten, he’s always tried to protect me, even when I was in the wrong.”

  Dominic scribbled more notes. “So basically, you’re a troublemaker who likes to get her best friend beat up.”

  Kori jumped to her feet. “It’s not like that at all...People just don’t understand me.”

  He grinned at her boyishly.

  A warm fluttering in the pit of her stomach erupted.

  That damn smile.

  “I understand...In fact, what makes the world such an interesting place with its beauty and all the marvels it has to offer? It’s the people like us who aren’t afraid to be different than what society deems as normal. You and I are the ones who will leave an inerasable mark upon the world.”

  Kori fell silent as she gazed at Dominic.

  He has the same look of sadness as Hayden.

  “Why are you staring at me?” Dominic said interrupting Kori’s thoughts. “It’s really creepy...keep doing it.”

  “Are you Ashwood boys always this funny?” Kori asked.

  Dominic shook his head, “But your brother has been standing outside your room eavesdropping.”

  Kori tilted her head and stared blankly at her empty doorway.

  “Ethan, are you out there?” she shouted.

  Kori waited for a reply.

  Then Dominic-

  “Hey, four-eyes I can hear you wheezing out there.” He winked at Kori who in return, rewarded him with a scolding look.

  “You should probably suck on your inhaler.”

  Kori and Dominic heard a loud embellished inhale followed by an equally exaggerated exhale.

  “Not everyone you consider a nerd has asthma,” Ethan’s voice sounded from the outside and within seconds he was standing in the room pointing a condemning finger at Dominic.

  The two of them locked eyes; Dominic grinning from ear to
ear, Ethan tried his best not to look away from his antagonist’s piercing glare.

  However, the intense confrontation escalated into a comedy skit after Dominic made the slightest movement towards Ethan and he flinched.

  Dominic erupted with laughter, “relax bruh.” He closed his notebook and stood from his seat.

  “I think you need to loosen up a bit and I know how. There is this nightclub not far from here called Nocte-”

  Ethan interrupted by shouting, “absolutely not! We will not participate in any of your shenanigans.”

  Dominic stared blankly at Ethan for several seconds before brushing off his words and focusing on Kori. “What do you say?”

  Both boys awaited her answer.

  “Ethan does have a point, you’ve been quite the troublemaker since we’ve met.”

  Ethan released a victory laugh, but his conquest was short lived.

  “But let’s say if we do go to this night club how would we get in? We’re all minors.” Kori asked amused by the idea.

  Ethan’s mouth hung with lips slightly parted and eyes as wide as they could stretch. “You can’t be seriously considering going along with this.”

  Dominic smirked. “Relax bruh, my uncle owns the place, I can get us inside. Plus, Hayden and his band are performing tonight.” He glanced at Kori with pleading eyes. “We can stay a couple of hours, watch them play, then leave. It’ll be fun.”

  Kori ran hands through her hair as she contemplated Dominic’s proposal. “Why not end the day with a little excitement,” she said with a mischievous smile.

  Ethan paced around the messy room. “We’ve never done anything like this before and what if our parents find out?”

  “They won’t because it will be our secret,” Kori said.

  Ethan waved off the last remark. “It’s a school night though.”

  Dominic groaned. “Live a little.”

  “You can stay if you want, but I’m going,” Kori said.

  With a huff, the lanky teen folded his arms in defiance. “This is a terrible idea.”

  Chapter-Nineteen

  “Are you sure about him?” the bouncer said glaring at Ethan. “He seems a bit squeamish.”

  Dominic beamed the fierce-looking guard a bright smile. “He will be fine Lawrence.”

  The bulky man grumbled with disapproval. “How many times have I told you, it’s L-Train.”

  Kori smirked, both names sounded stupid.

  Behind her a long line of young adults had accumulated. They all seemed to become increasingly impatient with the wait, including Kori.

  “I’ll keep an eye on him L-Train,” Dominic said putting emphasizes on the nickname. “I’ll even talk to my uncle about making you part-owner of the club”

  The bouncer rolled his eyes, knowing the promise was worthless, but with a sigh, he waved the party of three in.

  “Stay out of trouble for once or I’ll eat your heart.” L-Train warned.

  Dominic chuckled. “Werewolves I swear.”

  Kori and Ethan gave him a blank look as they wiggled passed L-Train.

  INSIDE THE NIGHTCLUB, the sensual vibes flowed like a virus. There was raw desire in the air, fueled by alcohol and catchy music. Like the dance floor, the entire club was filled from wall to wall with people. But as Dominic lead the way, space opened.

  There was loud cheer and neon-colored lights randomly began to flash all around the nightclub. At that moment, even more people flooded the rave area. Fog from dry ice machines spilled onto the floor and foam was released into the air.

  Dominic guided Kori and Ethan towards a massive stage facing the north end of the dance floor. Due to its poor lighting backdrop, Kori could only make out a few silhouettes moving about the area.

  “Will Hayden and his band be playing there?” Kori asked.

  Dominic nodded, leading them away from vicious-looking bouncers standing at different posts throughout Club Nocte. Kori shuddered at the site of the bouncers. Compared to L-train they seemed primal and ferocious.

  “From here we can get the best view of him playing,” Dominic said stopping at one of the many bar stations. However, this one was derelict. The reclusive area was awkwardly set apart from the others and across from it was its sister location. Unlike their current area, the bar across from them had a bartender and a customer awaiting drinks. The three took a seat at the variety of barstools around the post. In silence they observed their new surroundings.

  Hundreds of conversations, loud voices, and all of them competing with the upbeat music that dominated the atmosphere. Much of the crowd were young or middle-aged adults and-

  “Hey, isn’t that Mr. Edelweiss,” Kori shouted, pointing at another bar station across from them. Dominic and Ethan gazed in the direction she was aiming at.

  Ethan gasped after Dominic nodded his head confirming the teacher’s identity.

  “Will we be in big trouble if he sees us here?”

  Kori remained silent staring dreamily at her instructor while Ethan hopped from his seat ready to make a beeline towards the nearest exit. Dominic was next to spring up blocking Ethan’s path.

  “Bruh I doubt he’ll notice us.”

  Ethan ignored him and before he could signal Kori he was departing; a group of strikingly beautiful females crossed their path. Ethan stopped in his tracks. For a moment he was stunned by their beauty.

  A malicious smile spread across Dominic’s face as he grabbed Ethan by the arm. “You’ll thank me later for this.”

  “Wait- what are you doing?” Ethan shouted.

  Dominic sent him flailing towards the group. Screaming they broke apart and Ethan stumbled. Somehow, he managed to avoid a collision with most of the ladies, except one. With a shriek they collided in an awkward embrace. The other girls yelled obscenities at Ethan and continued their way. Nonetheless, the one he crashed into remained behind. Still embracing each other, Ethan became enthralled by her bright orange cat-like eyes. Not only were they beautiful, but her entire existence exuded magnificence. With a goofy open-mouthed smile Ethan released a sigh.

  The girl smiled back fondly. “You’re cute,” she said soothingly.

  Ethan remained silent. He couldn’t look away from her, nor would his mind allow him to think about anything but her. The next thing he knew, her lips were upon his. His eyes widened as her tongue slithered into his mouth. She pulled free and licked her lips lasciviously and led Ethan away with his arms interlocked with hers.

  “You should go talk to him,” Dominic said as he sat next to Kori.

  She forced herself to tear her gaze away from Mr. Edelweiss. “That probably isn’t a good idea,” she said softly. Glancing around the club, Kori frowned. “Where did Ethan go?”

  “He ran off with a succubus,” Dominic Replied nonchalantly.

  “What’s a succubus?” Kori asked puzzled.

  “A female demon that seduces men to do her bidding,” he answered.

  “You mean that, metaphorically right?” Kori said

  Dominic shrugged. “It’s whatever.”

  “Should I be worried?”

  Dominic shook his head. “Go talk to our teacher.”

  Kori nodded turning her attention towards Johann in a trance-like state. She hopped to her feet and made her way towards Johann.

  Dominic hung back smirking mischievously. “Don’t mention you’re here with me,” he shouted after Kori.

  He doubted she heard his request but either way, everything was proceeding the way he wanted it to. It was only a matter of time before he would spring into action, but until then, Dominic didn’t mind playing the waiting game.

  REACHING HER DESTINATION, Kori saw that Johann was now sitting alone at the bar. Occupying the bar-stool closest to her crush, Kori felt slightly offended when Johann didn’t take the time to acknowledge her presence. His focus was centered on the dance floor, allowing the lustful filled atmosphere to tease him. He licked his lips watching females tossing their long hair and swaying their hips. Promiscuit
y poured from them in vibes that he could almost taste. Not only did the ladies entice him but the immorality from the men filled him with unrestrained lasciviousness.

  “I used to be exactly like them... naive, dumb, desperate and so human.”

  Johann continued to watch the dance floor, greedily. The smell of their sensuality overwhelmed him to the point he had to keep reminding himself to maintain control.

  He tightened his grasp around the cup.

  “I hate every last one of those perfectly imperfect creations.”

  Johann’s pale hand raised his glass. The ocher liquid that half-filled it, scarcely stirred. Kori watched in awe as lips, beautiful enough to make a man quiver, pressed against the transparent rim.

  Kori exclaimed in a long low sigh.

  “So why is my underage student at a nightclub?” Johann asked soothingly. He sat the empty glass aside and turned away from the dance floor.

  Kori gasped as if she had awoken from a nightmare.

  “I shouldn’t be here,” she whispered. “This was a bad idea.”

  A sensation of immediate doom immersed her, and she quickly stood from the barstool.

  “Please don’t tell...” she slowly trailed off in mid-sentence when Johann quickly took hold of her hand. His eyes instantly retreated to the back of his skull as he tilted his head rearward. Mouth agape his body quivered with euphoria. He sat upright laughing uncontrollably with fondness.

  “I haven’t felt this good in years!” he screamed.

  However, before he could fully embrace the pleasurable sensation, it vanished.

  Kori tried to jerk her hand away from Johann, but he increased his hold. She wanted to scream and run away, but her body did the opposite. Johann caressed his fingers up her arm.

  “This is all wrong,” Kori whispered. Her teacher massaged her shoulder.

  Why can’t I move?

  “Are you here alone?” Johann asked soothingly.

  “I-I came w-with a couple of friends,” Kori stuttered.

  She managed to turn her head towards the area where she last saw Dominic, but the bar station had been abandoned.

  Where did he and Ethan go?

  Kori glanced towards the bartender in hopes of him intervening. However, he looked away pretending to clean a glass cup.