When The Moon Fell In Love With The Sun...

My Town is Dead

The tourist brochure was thrown infront of me by my mother, landing right on my lap. I picked it up and read the front page:

 

WETHERLY HEIGHTS – GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN, VISIT TODAY!

 

“No kidding,” I sighed rolling my eyes and falling back into my seat

“Stop being like that, it’ll be great fun – you’ll have new places to explore and make new friends-!”

“Yeah, new dead ones,” I interrupted her, frowning

“For god’s sake Alex, stop this behaviour!” Mum snapped back, snatching the brochure from my knee “It’s just a stupid rumour set up by your stupid friend Mark,”

“How do you know it’s not true?” I asked “And Mark’s not stupid,”

“Because your father and I visited, remember?” She barked and stormed out of the room to finish her cooking

I ran my fingers through my hair and let out a long sigh; we were moving tommorow and there was nothing I could do about it.

 

 

***

I was woken at eight am by the heavy chugging sound of the removal lorry, and my mother shouting orders at the poor men struggling with her heavy boxes. It was too early.

I fell out of bed. It wasn’t even a bed, just an old matress with coffee stains and holes that the moths had chewed through. My real bed was packed away in the lorry outside, eager to get going.

“Let’s go kids!” Both parents shouted from downstairs

Obviously my half-dead older sister hadn’t woken yet, otherwise they would’ve gotten her to wake me up.

I got dressed quickly, pulled my door open and walked right into my sister as she left the bathroom wrapped in a towel, with her hair tied up in another towel.

“Watch where you’re going!” She snapped, slamming her bedroom door in my face.

Like mother, like daughter. I thought, and then jumped down the stairs.

Mum hated it when I did that.

“I’m ready, Becky isn’t,” I smiled at mum who was waiting in the hallway, not impressed with what I had just done.

“Then we’ll just have to wait a bit,” She muttered, folding her arms

A car horn blared from outside.

“That’s your father,” Mum sighed, walking to the stairs “BECKY- HURRY UP PLEASE!” she shouted

For such a tiny woman, she had a very frightening voice.

We both heard the rushed footsteps upstairs, the slam of the door and the thuds as Becky ran down the stairs.

Her hair was still wet as it fell onto her shoulders and she looked pretty annoyed.

“I’m ready now,” She snapped, glaring at us both

“Good,” Mum smiled, knowing it would annoy Becky

One by one we left the house – mum locked the front door one final time and I turned to it and said a quiet goodbye.

 

Dad led the removal van on our journey. It took 7 hours – Wetherly Heights really was in the middle of nowhere and I hated it.

We zoomed past the Welcome to Wetherly Heights! Greeting sign, which looked like it needed some TLC and carried on down a never-ending road with nothing but tall dark trees to stare at.

Then finally, we drove into the town. It definately did look dead. There was no one out, and all the shops were closed.

There was a huge pond in the middle of the town, but it was empty. No fish, no water – no nothing.

Our house was just on the outskirts of the town and as we pulled into its drive I realised how much of a hell-hole this place really was.

“Welcome home!” Dad sighed happily, parking the car

For once, my sister and I agreed on something as we leant back and let out long, unhappy groans.

“Lighten up kids!” Mum smiled, she was far too cheery “You’ll have a blast!”

She got out of the car and immediatly started barking orders at my dad and the removal men.

I finally forced myself out too, the cold wind hit me in my thin t-shirt and jeans instantly and I ran into the new house.

It didn’t help and I stood in the hallway like a lemon, shivering furiously. The house looked like a typical haunted house. With rickety floor boards, doors and windows and dust and cobwebs covering all corners and surfaces.

It needed alot of work. Just like this whole town.

“Why don’t you kids take a look around the town we drove through, it looks rather nice!” Mum cooed, stepping into the hallway with her arms round a box – quickly followed by a depressed looking Becky

“Ugh, it’s not like we have anything better to do,” I sighed, deciding that it might be a good idea to get away from the skeleton house for an hour or so “You coming, Becky?”

She nodded and we both walked to the town in silence.

When we first got there, it was silent. I couldn’t even hear any wind.

Then suddenly, a kid flew past us on a bike – ringing his bell and hissing at us.

“Whoa, that was a little weird,” I said, confused at what had just happened

“Welcome to Wetherly Heights, population...us and that weirdo kid,” Becky groaned

“Pssh, he has parents,” I said, contradicting her

“He could be an orphan,” She snapped back

I laughed under my breath a little, and then stepped off of the curb and onto the road.

“Looks like some sort of coffee shop over there, I’m gonna go check it out,” I said to Becky

“What’s the point?” She said “Haven’t we already realised this is a dead town?”

I didn’t reply.

I wasn’t expecting the coffee shop to be “Open” even though there was no one in it. There was no dust on the counters or tables and chairs, and it looked pretty clean and well run.

There were still cakes displayed on the counter and various condiments dotted about the place. I ran the tap behind the counter, it still worked. All the coffee making machines were plugged in and turned on so someone must’ve been here recently.

It definatetly wasn’t dead then.

Reassured, I sat down at one of the tables – not really sure what to do next.

I wasn’t alone for long, jolted by the noise of a door behind me swining open I turned to see a startled old man with thick grey hair, wearing a green baseball cap, jeans and checkered shirt.

“Can I help you?” He asked nervously

“Erm,” I stood up “I just moved here today, came to check out the town and was wondering where everyone was,”

“Ah, well its er-quiet time in town now, everyone goes home for a few hours,” He smiled awkwardly

“Oh, never heard of that before,” I didn’t think it sounded at all right “So, this is your shop?”

“Yes it is, I was just coming into shut up actually – I think you should leave now,”

The atmosphere in the shop grew tense; I began to walk towards the door, my hand trying to find the door handle.

“I’m Alex by the way,” I said, hoping to change his mood

“Goodbye then, Alex,” He said walking up to me as I pulled the door open and stepped back outside. He shut the door in my face and pulled the shutters down so I couldn’t see into the shop anymore.

“What happened there?” Becky called; she was still standing exactly where I’d left her

“I got kicked out of this creepy guy’s shop, by the creepy guy,” I called back still confused about what had just happened

I crossed the road back to Becky and explained to her what had just happened.

“Well, it’s nice to know we’re welcome here!” She smiled sarcastically “There’s nothing else to see obviously, I think we should go back,”

I didn’t want to, I wanted to explore the town more and try and find someone not in “quiet time”

“Go ahead, I’m going to look round here more,” I replied beginning to walk away

“Don’t be out here too long!” Becky called after me “I don’t want mum getting all worried on me!”

I smiled as I walked further away, but didn’t turn back to reply. I walked past the coffee shop, a library; a grocery store and what looked like a Hair Salon then turned into a side street which led to a run down park. The swings and slide were badly damaged and rusty, the paint was peeling away and the swings squeaked in the wind. I sat down on one of them and let my legs swing backwards and forwards.

I was bored already.

I notice a dump right next to the park, with overflowing bins and tied up shopping bags tossed everywhere. This place really needed a good tidy up. I wondered where the boy on the bike had got too, if he’d returned home for “Quiet Time” or if he wasn’t even from around here.

After what seemed like an eternity of silence and boredom, I was startled out of my dozzing state by a noise from behind me.

“The adults won’t find us here,” A voice whispered “Not during quiet time anyway”

Another voiced snickered, and I heard footsteps get closer to me, for some reason I was scared so jumped up and ran behind the slide hoping they wouldn’t see me behind the little cover the slide gave me.

Two boys who looked my age made there way into the park. The taller one had a cocky swagger, his hood pulled over his head and his jeans hung low, the other one was chubby and shorter with a limp, not a swagger but his jeans still hung low and his hood was also over his head.

They knealt next to the swings, right where I had been and pulled out some cigarettes and a lighter from their pockets; they both lit up and begun to smoke.

It went quiet again. I was beginning to hate silence.

“So, this party tonight,” The chubby one started, putting his cigarette to his mouth “Where is it?”

“12 Harley Street, Vicky’s house,” The skinny one replied, puffing out his cigarette smoke behind him “Start’s at 8,”

My house was 11 Harley Street. I didn’t realise we had neighbours.

“Should be crazy,” The fat one said, grinning

The skinny one nodded, then stood up and put out his cigarrette on the swing. The chubby guy did the same, and the two of them left the park. In silence.

Sure, it could be risky but mum wanted me to make friends; and a party was a sure fire way of doing so.

I jogged back home, grinning like the chubby guy.

 

Mum and Becky were unpacking things in the hallway when I got back home and dad was trying to order Chinese over the phone.

“There you are!” Mum sighed, relief in her voice “I was beginning to get worried!”

“You told me to go out and explore the town! I told Becky what I was doing!” I retaliated, glaring at my sister – who ignored me.

I knealt down next to her, and began to help unwrap things and take them out of the box

“Becky, there’s a party tonight,” I whispered in her ear “At the house next door, I think we should go,”

“Did you get an invite?” She retorted, snatching scrunched up newspaper from my hands

“Not exactly, I just overheard these two guys talking about it,” I replied, keeping my voice as a whisper “I think we should go, would be a good way to meet people and see what this place is really like,”

“No thanks, I’m not going to a party in a new town, full of new weirdo people,” She replied standing up to leave

“Fine, but I’m going,” I stood up after her

“Good luck,” She smiled sarcastically

Once again, I didn’t reply. She hated it when I did that. I trudged up the stairs to my empty bedroom and fell to the floor, getting splinters in my hands. There were boxes everywhere, but I didn’t feel like emptying any of them. I could see the different parts to my bed, but I didn’t feel like putting it all together.

It got to 7:30 and there was still no sign of Chinese, at least at a party I would get fed.

I walked out the house with ease, no one bothered to question where I was going – probably because they didn’t know anything about the town.

I turned right and started walking down the road for 15 minutes, but that road turned into more roads which then turned into horse track and footpaths – so I turned back, walked past my house and continued that way up the road. After 30 minutes of walking, I finally found the house and could see that the party was well under way. Streamers and toilet roll dangled out from the windows and the music was blaring out loudly. People were running around outside and in, I made my way toward the house – the grass dampening my trainers. I stepped inside the house, the loud music and shouting making me wince at first, and was instantly handed a drink by a girl who didn’t even question who I was.

I made my way past different groups of friends, all about my age and slightly older and found myself in the kitchen where I spotted the two guys I’d seen in the park.

The music was beginning to sound incredibly loud, and as I top a swig of my drink, I spat it straight out, whatever it was, it tasted vile. It was too sugary and strong tasting and covered my tongue in some slimy goo. It was some sort of squash, which they hadn’t bothered to add the water too. This created a little scene; with a couple of people looking up from what they were doing to see why I’d just spat my drink out

“Something wrong with your drink?” A voice asked; I turned to see a blonde haired guy of about my age, slightly shorter and wearing thick rimmed glasses standing next to me. He took the cup from my hand and sniffed at it

“No, there’s nothing wrong I just er, swallowed it too quickly,” I replied, uneasy

He looked at me with confused eyes, nodding slowly.

“Are you new around here? I don’t think I recognise you,” He was looking me up and down, rubbing his chin

“Yeah, I just moved in to the house next door this morning,” I replied

“Why are you shouting?” The guy asked, frowning

“What? Oh, the music’s really loud,” I replied, putting my hand to my ear, trying to shut the music out

“It is? Are you deaf?” He asked, laughing awkwardly

I shook my head; the music was verging on painful now

“Can we turn it down?” I asked

“It’s not loud,” He replied, looking incredibly confused “What’s your name by the way?”

“Oh, I’m Alex,” I said, concentrating on finding the music player

“Well welcome Alex, I’m Sid,”

I nodded, not really interested.

“I think my ears are bleeding,” I told him, suddenly worried

“What?” He sounded shocked “Are you joking?”

“No,” I replied, shoving my finger in my ear and pulling it out to find it covered in blood “What the hell is wrong with this place?”

I looked at Sid, then back at my bloody finger.

“Let’s get you out of here,” Sid said, he grabbed me on the shoulder and led me through all the people and out of the front door

“What the hell is wrong with you?” He asked, suddenly angry

This confused me even more

“Me? I think it’s you lot with the problem!” I snapped back

“Sticking red paint in your ear- pretending it’s blood, are you trying to play some sick kind of joke? Well, it’s not very funny,” He was getting really angry now, almost scary considering he was shorter than me

“WHAT? I’m being serious! The music was so loud it made my ears bleed, literally!”

Then he shoved me so I lost my footing.

“Just shut up,” He snarled and stormed back into the house, leaving me dumbfounded.

Wow, haven't updated/written this in agggggeeesss!
So to recap:

I woke to find myself alone, the cave was deadly silent.

I got up slowly, not wanting to stir my stomach incase it made me vomit again, I left the cavern and headed to the main part of the cave but there was still no sign of anyone.

Where had they gone?

I wondered around a bit, searching – until I heard a small cough from behind me. There they all were, looking incredibly worried. Kennedy stood in the centre of them all. I knew exactly what this was about. My eyes looked to my feet, instantly.

“Do you think it’s true?” He asked quietly

I nodded, biting my lip to hold back tears – still not looking at them

“So now what? Do we try and find a way out of here to get you some help or-“

“No!” I cut him off, my head bolting up right to look at him “If we do that, they’ll kill you,”

“But you can’t seriously have a...baby...in a cave?!” He argued back, his voice quietening on the word baby

“It’d be a helluva lot safer in here then it would be out there,” I replied – not wanting to think about mother

I suddenly noticed my hand on my stomach.

“Then this is going to be one heck of an adventure,” Kennedy sighed

“It already is,” I said firmly, still biting my lip

Josh placed a supportive hand on Kennedy’s shoulder – I felt horribly guilty, and he probably did too.

“I’m so stupid,” I said under my breath

But then I felt myself in Kennedy’s arms, and everyone else huddled round us

“We’ll get through this,” He said calmly “We all will,”

 

We spent another typical evening round the fire, keeping warm. It was a bit of a sombre mood, and I felt both cold on the inside and out.

“Do you think they’re all dead yet?” Rob asked, I could’ve sworn he gulped

“Probably,” I nodded, knowing how my mother worked

It fell silent

“Fucking crazy, this is,” Josh said “I’m supposed to be dead,”

Then he looked right at Jade and smiled at her, wrapping his arm round her shoulder

“But we’re not, so lets not think about it too much,”

But I knew Kennedy was, those little brothers of his would now be dead. It broke my heart to know that.

It fell silent for a minute or two, almost like we were all remembering the dead – like people used to do to remember soldiers who had lost their lives in war. I felt so guilty, even though I knew it wasn’t my fault.

“Hey, I think I left my cardigan in that cavern near the stream, will you come with me Rob?” Bianca asked, standing up and dusting dirt and dust off of her jeans

He nodded and they both got up and walked out of our sight, hand in hand.

“Let’s just hope they use a condom this time,” Josh joked, sending all four of us into fits of laughter

I looked down at my belly, amazed by it all.

Finally. xD 3 Pages long this was! o.O


 

 
 

Gryffindor!

I was pleased with where I’d be placed, and even happier to know that all of the boys had been put in Gryffindor too, we got shoved right to the end of the table so I sat next to some third year girls called Melissa and Anna, I think.

Afterwards, we were shown to our Common Room by Percy Weasley, our head of house.

It was amazing. I was in a room at the top of the turret, sharing with four girls: Bianca Percival, Hermione Granger, Parvati Patil and....that horrible one who hadn’t been very nice on the journey to Hogwarts...I think her name was Jade or something...

My bed was nearest the window, opposite one of the boy’s rooms. Infact, I could see the outline of some of the boys running about, but I couldn’t make out who it was.

My first night in my new Hogwarts bed was spent dreaming about my life back at home, and new adventures to come.

I woke early the next day, to find Jared, Pat, Garrett, Kennedy and John already down in the common room, sitting on the sofas. We headed to breakfast and took our seats, joined by some other Gryffindor First Years including Harry, Ron, Hermione and Bianca. There were some other boys who I hadn’t met before, but I didn’t speak to them much.

“So, who’s trying out for quidditch then?” Garrett asked, his mouth stuffed with porridge and scrambled eggs.

“Don’t be silly,” I sighed “We’re first years; we can’t; though I wouldn’t mind being on the team, one day.”

John nodded

“Wait till next year, Garrett,” He added, scooping up a portion of strawberries

Then the letters came. John got one from his father who worked for the ministry, Garrett got one from his muggle parents, asking how it all was and Jared got a package from his Aunty, although he didn’t open it at the table. I didn’t get anything, but didn’t expect to because I knew mum and dad would be out and off working.

We all finished breakfast and made our way to our first lesson – Transfiguration with Professor McGonagall.

We waited for 20 minutes, chatting amongst ourselves

“Where the hell is she?” Pat sighed, getting impatient

Just then, a silver tabby strode gracefully down the aisle, and then leapt up onto the chair next to the desk at the front, morphing into Professor McGonagall.

My mouth fell open in wonder, and our table quickly erupted into applause. A small smile formed across her face.

She started the lesson off byt demonstrating turning her desk into a pig –

“Can I keep it?” Pat asked, hopefully

He got no answer, only a firm glare. His head drooped.

We were then told we had to turn a match into a needle, sounded simple enough but it turned out to be near impossible.

On our table, John got it instantly, with everyone else struggling to do so.

Hermione on the other hand, did it so gracefully and easily, making it seem like it was the easiest thing in the world. I couldn’t help but admire her.

 

Next was Herbology, the lesson I’d been looking forward to least, mainlyl because my brothers hate it. Professor Sprout gave us a tour of the greenhouses, as well as the different types of plants. Judging by the look on Jade’s face, I wasn’t the only one bored to tears.

 

Lunch was soup and bread rolls. We all sat round one end of the table, watching everyone of different ages walk past.

“I can’t wait for the Yule Ball!” I gushed, staring dreamily into the air

“Planning ahead are we?” Kennedy asked cheekily, ripping a piece of bread and popping it in his mouth

I nodded at him, grinning

 

The next lesson was Defenct Against The Dark Arts. We were supposed to be taking it seriously but this wasn’t helped by Kennedy whispering “Perv” in my ear, everytime the creepy Professor Quirrel guy spoke.

The last lesson was History of Magic, taught by Professor Binns – a ghost. John and Jared got sent out half way through for throwing pencils and bits of paper through him – which even made that Jade girl laugh.

 

After lessons were over, the 6 of us decided to leave the tiny bit of homework we’d received until later. We had some spare time on our hands, so went outside to explore – choosing a statue of an angel to sit round to rest by.

“So, what do you think so far?” John asked

We all exploded into excitable comments, agreeing that it was an amazing place

“I just don’t like that Jade girl;” I mumbled “There’s something funny about her,”

Pat nodded

“My parents said to be careful around her,” He paused “She’s from the Shadows family,”

I felt ashamed, coming from a wizarding family I should really know what that meant – even Garrett, whose parents were muggles, knew what that meant.

“And that means...” I asked

“There just a bad family really,” Pat said quickly

I didn’t ask anything more

 

We decided to head to bed at nine. I felt a bit bad, I’d hardly spoken to any of the girls in my room, but I flashed a quick smile at Bianca when she came in, before pulling my duvet over me. Just as I was drifting off, I heard a loud:

“Damon! Get off of her!”

I shot up out of bed to see Bianca being slobbered all over by Jade’s dog. I giggled.

“Aww, he’s lovely!” I cooed “I’m Jess by the way,”

“I’m Jade, this is Bianca,” Jade replied

Wow. She actually spoke nicely to me.

“Cool Jade, I love your dog, I have a cat but he’s-” I suddenly remembered Ginger, so I began to look around the room “Disappeard somewhere...what about you Bianca, what do you have?”

“I have an owl,” She smiled “Gordon, he’s up in the owlery, anyway, I’m tired – shall we go to bed?”

We all agreed and I tucked myself back into bed, pondering over the owlery and Charlie’s owl Midnight.

xD 

We hopped off the train, greeted by that giant man Hagrid. He seemed very friendly, but I knew what to expect – as Charlie and Harry had ruined any surprises for me this summer. Still, it was strange an incredibly exciting to finally be arriving at Hogwarts. I dragged my trunk along to the boats with my new friends; I couldn’t help but feel slightly jealous towards John, who had everything with him brand new, and we all hoped onto a boat. Garrett and Jared going seperatley as we couldn’t all fit our stuff if one boat.

The next ten minute boat ride was filled with “Oooh’s!” and “Aaahh’s!” and “Wow’s!”

And when we got to the entrance of Hogwarts, I couldn’t help but squeal and clap my hands.

“Do remember that they don’t have a nursery for babies here,” I heard a voice say, I looked up to see a boy with shiny white blonde hair scowling at me; he wasn’t very nice at all

“And do you remember to mind your own business!” Kennedy retorted; then we all burst out into giggles and sniggers

The boy rolled his eyes and left, strutting but he didn’t get far as his two friends; another boy and girl, were waiting near by.

We clambered off the boat and hauled our trunks onto the damp grass, struggling to pull them for a while – then the grass turned to concrete and the whole journey became alot easier.

I saw my brothers walking in from another side; I waved eagerly at them but only got a wave from Trixie; not any of my brothers.

“Who were you waving at?” Asked Pat, flicking his hair out of his fave like Charlie does

“Oh, my three older brothers, but I’m obviously just an embarrassment because they didn’t wave back,”

Pat grinned then shot his arm up into the air, waving manicly. I laughed at his goofy grin.

“Who are you waving at?” I asked, trying to look for anyone waving back at him

“No one in particular, just seeing if anyone was friendly enough to wave back, obviously not though,” He sighed

“You do know that waving is the Deatheaters way of telling other deatheaters that they’ve killed someone?” We both turned around, this time it was that girl who I saw with the blonde haired boy. Neither of them were very nice and I instantly felt incredibly guilty, hoping that noone thought I was a Deatheater.

“Don’t listen to her, it’s not true” Pat whispered in my ear, then he raised his voice to talk to her “Like Kennedy said to your friend, learn to mind your own business”

And he took my hand and we pulled our trunks along to where the other boys were standing.

“We should be careful with that lot,” John had obviously seen what had been going on

“Pat, how did you know that what she said wasn’t true?” I asked

“My dad works at Azkaban, he tells me all about deatheaters to protect me if I ever happen to meet one,” He smiled

I nodded, feeling I could trust all my new friends

Then Hagrid took to centre stage and clapped his big, beefy hands

“Follow me!” He cried, his voice echoing everywhere

I knew my Hogwarts adventure was about to begin

Unnamed when going to press. xD

“Jesssssss! Hurry up! Your letter’s here!”

I leapt down the stairs, going two at a time – and bounded into the kitchen.

It was surprisingly normal, I suppose as my parents had done this all 5 times before, they’d gotten used to it.

I had two older sisters and three older brothers, both my sisters were married with their own children and my brothers were all at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, in various years.

All of them, including my parents and grandparents had been or were in Gryffindor – the same house as the infamous Harry Potter. I was desperately hoping to follow in their shoes.

Sure enough, my letter was inviting me to Hogwarts as a pupil – I danced about the kitchen a bit, before dashing upstairs and into the broom cupboard to snatch a few old robes. Then I ran outside into the paddock and pulled open the old chest, taking out all the books I’d need.

Mum then called for me to come and eat breakfast, so I dashed back in and slid next to Tristan, who was in his last year at Hogwarts.

The bacon and eggs was thrown onto our plates and I shoved them down my throat

“Slow down dear, you’ll get indigestion!” Mum cooed, flapping her hands about

I didn’t slow down, and dashed back to the paddock and peeped behind the hay barrels.

There was the mother cat with her 4 little ginger kittens, I gasped at how cute they were and scopped one up into my arms – it’s little eyes staring right into mine helplessly.

“Don’t worry, mum will take good care of your other brothers and sisters, but you’re coming with me!” I said quietly, rubbing it’s little pink nose against mine.

I dashed back into the kitchen, Tristan still sat at the table arguing with mum over whether his girlfriend Trixie Hettleworth could stay with us for breakfast.

“Can we go now?” I asked, grinning madly

“Nearly, I’m just waiting for Charlie and Harry to put on their robes and then we can go,” Mum smiled, coming over to stroke the kitten “Got a name for it yet?”

“How about Myowner’sanidiot?” I heard Charlie behind me

I spun round and stuck my tongue out at him,

“No,” I snapped, then held the kitten up to my face “I like Ginger,”

“How original,” Charlie rolled his eyes, flicking his fringe out of his face

“I do wish you’d cut that fringe of your’s Charlie!” Mum sighed, hands on hips “Where’s Harry?”

“Right here!” Harry called from the top of the stairs, he ran down and jump into the hall – all our suitcases ready by the front door.

“Good, now we just need to get your sister a wand and we can get you all to school,” Mum said, taking off her apron and throwing it on the table “Let’s move please, Tristan,” she huffed

We all clambered into the car, I was shoved in the back as usual. We didn’t live very far from Diagon Alley so the journey wasn’t long and I’d been there before, so knew what to expect.

 

The door to Olivanders swung open, and we all stepped inside, I couldn’t help but dash about the shop – admiring all the wands in their carefully printed boxes.

“How can I help?” Asked Mr Olivander, gently

“I need a wand!” I beamed

He smiled at me, showing cat like teeth, and then noticed my brothers – who nodded their heads.

“Mhmm, something similar to your brothers I feel...” He said, pondering over one or two boxes stacked low on the shelves. He carefully pulled out a navy blue box and placed it on his counter.

“Hmmm, I think your sister had something similar to this one,” He said, taking it out of its box “12 ¼ Ash, with a tail of a male unicorn,”

I stared in awe at it.

“Her’s is better than mine,” I heard Harry grumble from behind me, then a small thud and yelp as mum smacked him on the shoulder

Mum paid for it and we thanked Mr Olivander, and then left the shop.

I got caught in between a push and shove fight between my brothers and tripped over uneven pavement, ramming myself into a small boy – in similar Hogwarts robes as mine. He looked at me and smiled.

“Sorry!” I said, smiling back

“You can get a broom when you actually make it on the team John, now come on, let’s go!” Someone called from far away; he looked towards the voice and ran off. I wondered if I’d see him again.

 

We got to Platform 9 and ¾’s, Mum insiting on giving us all great big hugs- mine lasting longer than everyone else’s.

“Now you have fun!” She said, squeezing my cheek “And be safe! Boys, look after her!”

Charlie took my hand and we ran through the wall between platform’s 9 and 10, followed by Tristan and Harry with the trolleys.

Tristan was immeadiatly greeted with open arms from Trixie and Charlie and Harry found their seats next to all their friends.

I held Ginger tightly against my stomach, suddenly nervous.

I found a carriage full of what looked like First Year’s – infact, the boy from Diagon Alley was sitting nearest the door. I smiled at him and sat opposite.

“Hello,” He said quietly as the train began to start its journey

“Sorry about earlier, my brother pushed me and I tripped,” I stroked Ginger awkwardly and he mewed “I’m Jess,”

“I’m John, and these are my friends,” He looked at the other boys in the carriage “Pat, Garrett, Jared and Kennedy”

We all exchanged hello’s and stories about ourselves.

Pat’s toad kept leaping onto my head and we all shared a few boxes of Bertie Bots Every Flavoured Jelly Beans.

As the train pulled into the Hogwarts Station, I felt relaxed knowing that I had some friends to hang around with – especially when Kennedy stepped off the train and asked;

“Save us all seats at lunch?”

I nodded, giggling a little. This was going to be fun.

xD This is cringey. sorry for crapness bahah.

6 weeks later

 

The vomiting hadn’t stopped for about 4 weeks. I’d be enjoying some conversation with Bianca and Jade, and then I’d suddenly have to run to one of the caverns far away from everyone and puke.

There’d also be times where I thought someone had dropped a rock on my back, it ached so badly.

I had no idea what was wrong with me...until I worked out what the date was.

I waited until it was just us 3 girls alone, deciding it would be a lot easier to tell them first. I sat them down, and took a deep breath.

“I think I know what’s wrong with me,” I said quietly

“What?” They both asked, looking concerned

“It all add’s up, the vomiting, the back ache and then...” I paused “I haven’t had a period for a month.”

The girls still looked vacant,

“I think...I think I’m pregnant,”

Jade’s mouth dropped open

“From that night the cave entrance fell in?” She asked

I nodded, my eyes at the floor.

“What the hell are we going to do?” Bianca asked, concerned “And how the hell are you going to tell Kennedy?”

I sighed, trying to push down the lump that was forming in my throat

“I have no idea,” I said

“Group hug?” Jade asked, trying to lighten the sombre mood

We all stood up, and tried to form a hug but ended up smacking our heads together.

“OK, bad idea,” Jade groaned, then we all burst into laughter

“What’s going on here then?” I heard Kennedy from behind me, my heart sunk

“Oh, we’re just messing around,” Jade replied, giving no indication of what had just been discussed

I couldn’t hold the lump in my throat down any longer, and I spun round; quickly pulling my hair out of my face and leaning over a rock. The acidic taste of sick roared up my throat, only confirming my ideas.

I wiped my mouth dry and turned to face the three of them, noticing the look of realisation and dread in the eyes of the two girls.

Kennedy wrapped his arm around me,

“Let’s get you to bed,” He said “It’s getting pretty late,”

I followed – half asleep already

As I lay down on the cave floor, to which I had grown used to, my eyes began to droop, and I struggled to keep them open.

“I think I’m pregnant,” I said, in a semi-conscious state

I didn’t see his reaction as my sleepy eyes shut tight.

xD @ the ending.

I heard it first. The massive crack of rock from above and then the clouds of dust and earth shattering thud as the rocks fell infront of the entrance to the cave.

We all screamed and dived for cover as Jade and Josh ran out from one of the caverns (Doing God knows what) with a look of horror etched on their faces.

I could hardly breathe as dust filled my lungs; I covered my mouth with my sweater sleeve and hid behind a boulder in the cave. We all waited silently until it settled down, I was the first to stand up slowly – coughing and spluttering as I gained my balance.

“Are we trapped?” I asked

I noticed Bianca stand up slowly behind a rock opposite me

“I think so,” She nodded, staring at the blocked up entrance, Rob got up behind her – looking incredibly dazed and confused

“What do we do now?” He piped up

“Well, good job the girls went out and got food yesterday,” Josh said, crawling out slowly from behind another rock

“But what do we do when that runs out?” Bianca asked, placing her hand on her forehead

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it,” Josh replied

At this point, Jade and Kennedy had stood up from behind an indent in the cave wall

“I suggest we make a fire, burn off some of the rock dust in the air,” Kennedy said, hands on hips

I turned to grin at him. I couldn’t help but feel proud.

The boys nodded and began to set up a fire, while us girl went to carefully check out the entrance.

As the fire was lit, we returned to join the boys.

“Mmm, we’re pretty well stuck,” Jade said humourosly

“I think I know who did it,” I said quietly, my heart sinking slowly

Everyone looked up at me

“What do you mean?” Bianca asked, concerned

“Well – what if my mum found out about us being here?” I mumbled, scared at how they’d all react “I know what she’s like – she wouldn’t have cared that I was in here – she probably found a bulldozer or something to knock the rocks down with, so now we’re stuck.”

I felt Kennedy take my hand and his fingers rub soothingly against my wrist.

“Stop talking bollocks,” He said

“But what if I’m not?” I looked at him sadly

“And what if you are?” Jade asked, a reassuring smile spread across her face “Anyways, this is our own little adventure, we shouldn’t worry about what’s going on out there, we’re seperate from all that now,”

I nodded, the tension inside of me relaxing completly

We sat down around the fire to a small dinner, the mood was as warm as the fire and I actually forgot about the cave falling in on us.

As the hours grew smaller and the fire began to dim, none of us could be bothered to move to sleep so we all fell around the fire – curling up to keep ourselves warm.

I could feel Kennedy’s breath on the back of my neck; his little snores made me feel incredibly relaxed – like I was at home.

And when he woke at midnight, I couldn’t believe what happened next...

It's a quickie ;) 

We returned slowly back to the cave to find Jade and Josh...ermm...mhm.

The 2 girls decided we neede food so left for the shops, while I stayed at “home” with the boys.

We sat down round the campfire, Rob sitting the opposit me – keeping his distance. I knew he still didn’t fully trust me, but I didn’t hate him for it. I’d be exactly the same if it was the other way round.

We all sat in silence for a while, playing with sticks and watching the fire until Josh piped up with a question I really did not want to answer;

“So, how are they going to kill every male on this planet?” He asked it rather calmly, considering

I took a deep breath

“It’s got something to do with how our DNA is different. All the women are basically going to feed the men some poison that can only kill men, and not women. I’m not really sure on the science behind it all.”

“But how do they get this...poison?” Josh asked, we both looked awkwardly at Rob – who was staring right at me.

“It’s sent out, disguised as perfume testers – notice anything different in the post your mum may have got?” I looked at Josh, and he nodded, dropping his head slightly “That was probably it,”

“And this all happens...”

“Tommorow,” I sighed “The poison takes less than 2 hours to take control over the body,”

All 3 boys nodded, absorbing in all this difficult information I’d just fed to them.

It fell silent again.

“Maybe we should check out the rest of this cave?” I asked cheerily

We all stood up, dusting down our knees and then decided to split off into pairs. Rob and Josh taking the left side of the cave; myself and Kennedy taking the right.

The first part of the exploration was in silence, but it wasn’t awkward. We got further into the cave, until I could hear the faint sound of a stream of water.

“Hey this way,” I whispered “I think I can hear water,”

The rocks were indeed slippery and we both stepped carefully, until sure enough we found a little stream, flowing from outside into the cave.

The cave ceiling was so high, but there was a tiny hole in the top of it, letting in a stream of light.

“Wow,” Kennedy breathed, looking around and up to the cave ceiling “This is...incredible,”

I hoped over the stream onto the other side, running my fingers along the cold rocky surface, then I felt Kennedy’s warm palm against the back of my hand, sending goosebumps up my spine. He took my hand and spun me round, took his thumb and finger under my chin and tilted my head up. Then his soft warm lips pressed against mine and I melted like chocolate inside.

“For everything,” He said when we parted “But mainly for you,”

I couldn’t stop smiling and looking at him, like some desperate pre-teen who’d just met their celebrity crush but he was perfect.

I was so glad this had all worked out.

We returned back to the main part of the cave, hand in hand swinging them backward and forward.

“Found much?” Kennedy asked the boys as we met up again

“Lots of little caverns, but not a lot, what about you?” Josh asked, then he noticed me “Whoa, did something happen between you two? You look a bit flustered...”

I couldn’t help but giggle.

“Nothing, nothing happened,” I smiled cheekily “But we did find the most incredibly place, with a stream and everything – it was lovely.”

“Good.” Josh nodded

We spent the rest of our time singing cheesey camp fire songs round the fire, I wasn’t tired anymore. And when the 2 girls returned back with bags full of food, the mood sky-rocketed and we spent the rest of the night laughing and chatting and enjoying each other’s company.

I couldn’t believe this was actually working out OK.

Filling in for Jade! xD

Kennedy spoke first

“What’s wrong?” He asked, dropping the bag of food

“Ask her,” Rob spat, those word’s hurt a little as he looked at me harshly

“What did I do?” I asked, confusion breaking into my voice

I could’ve sworn I heard Bianca say something, but I was trying to convince myself she hadn’t

“I don’t understand,” I repeated, Kennedy looked at me but I couldn’t look at him, too afraid that he was as confused as me

“We know what you are,” Jade said bluntly

“We know you’re a spy,” Rob snapped again

Kennedy took a step back away from me; I had to swallow the lump slowly forming in my throat

“Who told you that?” I snapped back, my eyes fierce

Rob waved the phone at me, frowning. I snatched it from him.

“The phone rang, it was your mother,” He said

“So you picked up my phone, my private property?” I snapped angrily at him

“He was just trying to be helpful,” Bianca hissed

I’d forgotten about the other three. I noticed how Josh and Jade looked worried and shocked, but Bianca and Rob just looked angry.

They didn’t really believe this did they?

“And what did she tell you?” I asked, folding my arms

“That she’d sent you here. That this was all planned out before, that you’d gain our trust then dob us all in. Even Kennedy.”

“That’s a lie,” I snapped, I could feel warm tears in my eyes “You really believe her? The woman behind the imminent deaths of your fathers and friends and brothers and uncles? You haven’t even met her!”

The group looked stunned and bewildered by what I’d just said.

“I’m not sure what to believe anymore,” Kennedy said quietly

I turned to face him, shocked

“No.” I said “Kennedy, you can’t, you- you don’t seriously believe this?”

He looked at me, frowning a little.

“This is my mother!” I cried “The woman who told you I was dead! The woman who told me you were dead!”

The cave fell silent, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

“Alright, if you really want to believe that bitch, instead of me; then fine.” I went to leave, tears rolling down my cheeks “Kennedy, you can stay here if you want,”

I stormed out of the cave, ran to the end of the beach and threw my phone into the sea angrily. She’d never find me again.

I fell to the ground, sobbing a little.

How could she? She was my own mother for crying out loud.

I buried my head in my knees, and then felt a warm hand rub my back. I looked up, to see Kennedy leaning over me.

“I’m sorry,” He said, then sat down next to me

I leaned my head on his shoulder

“They didn’t even thank us for the food,” I sighed, moping up my tears with my sleeve – making it damp again

Kennedy chuckled a little

“I don’t think they really believe her,” He said “Like us, they’re just confused; if not frightened and they’re not sure what to believe.”

I nodded

“You’re right,”

“When do they die?” Kennedy asked suddenly

“Tommorow,” I sighed

Kennedy said nothing.

Erm, short again. xD But  it's kinda a filler and I had no idea wha to write. bahaha. oh, and you can actually buy that - ugh, never mind no one cares. xD

They’d all been really welcoming, and all seemed to be coupled off with each other; Jade & Josh, Rob & Bianca.

We’d decided to stay with them for the evening and night, not deciding yet on what would happen tommorow.

As Bianca and Rob went to collect sticks for the campfire, Kennedy and I were left with Jade and Josh – it was hard to believe that they hardly knew each other. The way he looked at her, and the way she always blushed when he got close told me something else.

Bianca and Rob returned to set up the fire, and I thought it would be a good idea to give the 4 of them some time alone, so I offered up myself and Kennedy to find some food, whatever food that may be.

We left the cave in silence, each thinking over what a crazy day this had turned into.

“Sooo, you ever been fishing?” Kennedy asked, looking nervously out into the sea as we got out of the cave

“Erm, that wasn’t exactly what I had in mind, I admitted

“Oh?” Kennedy asked, looking at me

“I’ve got a fiver on me, that should feed us all for tonight then we can figure out what else to do in the morning,” I told him, pulling out the now slightly soggy fiver from my jean pocket

Kennedy nooded, looking slightly anxious

“Don’t worry,” I smiled “We’ll be OK,”

And he looked me right in the eyes, reassurance and trust spread all over them. I couldn’t help but feel relieved.

“Come on, the shops are this way,” He smiled

We walked along the beach and then up onto the board walk, finding a small corner shop.

We grabbed the basics; bread, 2 litres of water, sausages and some bananas, all adding up to £4.82, we only just had enough.

Kennedy took the bag of food from the old lady and we left the shop.

“This is crap,” He sighed, peering into the bag

“It’s fine for the night,” I said, trying to reassure both him and myself

“And then what?” He asked, annoyance in his tone

“I-I don’t know,” I replied quietly

He sighed deeply,

“I’m sorry,” He took my hand “Bestie,”

I couldn’t help but smile as he swang our arms backwards and forwards, like we were little kids again.

Then I realised;

“SHOOT!” I cried “My phone’s not in my pocket!”

“Maybe you left it in the cave?” Kennedy shrugged

Then I decided having a phone would be a bad idea, incase mum tried to make contact with me.

“I hope not,” I mumbled

He didn’t hear.

We got to the inside of the cave, using the light from the flames as a guide to our new home.

“We’ve brought food!” Kennedy called in triumph

But when we got to the group, their faces didn’t exactly scream excited and it felt like a heavy weight pulling down on my heart when I saw each one of them looking at me with bitterness and disgust in their eyes.

What was wrong?

Sorry it's short. xD

We ran out of town, out of the area we both knew well and into area we’d never been before. We found a seaside town and continued to run.

“We should try that pier,” Kennedy said, slowing his running down a little “Try and get a boat or something,”

I nodded, not wanting to waste anymore of my breath by talking.

We got to the end of the pier, catching our breaths by an ice cream parlour.

“Fancy some ice cream?” Kennedy joked, gasping

“With what money?” I laughed, that hurt my lungs

Kennedy shook his head, a broad smile spread across his face

“I don’t get it,” He said suddenly “Why did you choose me over all the other guys you know?”

I thought long and hard over my answer

“Because I didn’t know you,” I sighed “Truth is, I didn’t think you’d come with me. I didn’t even think you’d know who I was, I really thought you were...dead,”

Kennedy smacked his lips together, not saying anything for a while.

“Come on,” He said, holding out his hand

“Where are we going?” I asked, taking it

“To the end of the pier, we’re gonna jump,”

“Are you crazy?” I asked

He shook his head, then bolted off into a sprint with me barely holding onto his hand

Then, we were in the air – my heart felt like it was going to burst as we made impact with the ice cold sea water.

We surfaced, laughing and gasping for air

“Now what?” I asked, wiping hair away from my eyes

“Hmm, I say we swim to the left of us,” Kennedy paused “You can swim, right?”

I nodded

“Let’s go then,” He smiled

So we swam for what felt like hours, until we got to the end of the beach, where I could see what looked like a rocky cave.

“We should swim to the shore,” I said “I think my legs are about to drop off,”

“Mine too,” Kennedy called from infront of me

We swam to the shore, and then lay practically dead on the sand.

“You’re all wet,” I said

“Ooh, well done einstein,” Kennedy joked, rolling his eyes

I laughed, but something made my eyes flicker toward the cave entrance

“I think I can hear people in the cave,” I said, curious to find out more

Kennedy sat up to look behind him at the cave; it was quiet for a while.

“Me too,” He said quietly “We should go check it out,”

He stood up, dusted the sand off of his arms and knees then helped me to stand up.

We walked towards the cave, the distance between us getting smaller and smaller.

As we got closer, I could definately here voices.

“There’s people here!” I said, practically yelling

I had to squint my eyes to make out the vague silhouettes of 4 other people, 2 guys and 2 girls.

“What the hell are they doing here?” Kennedy asked

“The same as us, I guess,” I replied, walking into the cave

 

As they continued to walk, Gecko began to suddenly feel very light headed. He thought it might have something to do with his wound, but when he collapsed to the floor with Otto holding him up, he could’ve sworn he saw a smirk on Johnny’s face.

“You alright, mate?” Otto asked him, standing him back up carefully

“Yeah, I’m-fine,” He replied, still feeling dizzy

“We thought we’d lost you again there,” Jacob grinned, patting him on the back

The others followed suit, even Johnny.

“Thanks guys,” Gecko smiled, suddenly feeling incredibly relaxed and comfortable

***

It broke his heart to walk away from her like that.

It broke his heart thinking about what he was about to do. He was going to save the one she loved.

Why couldn’t that be him?

 

He walked slowly down the corridors, his head drooped slightly – eyes to the floor.

If he was honest with himself, he had no idea what he was doing.

His name was a lot to live up to, and he needed to prove himself that he could do something for once, rather than just being the let down.

He left the Academy, stepping out into the human world. He knew exactly where he was going, and how to get there – he just hoped he’d get lost.

 

***

They were being really nice to him. Gecko thought himself a fool for hating them once, and he really enjoyed their company.

Otto was happy to play basketball with him, and even let him climb up the walls and Johnny taught him a bit of guitar.

He couldn’t quite believe that only a day ago, they were kicking him and punching him in that cold and dark room.

It was lunch, the group all huddled round one table, helping themselves to each others food and enjoying each others company.

“So Gecko,” Johnny started, his mouth full of sandwich “Thinking of moving here permanently?”

“Whoa, I’ve only been here 2 days and you’re already asking me that?” Gecko scoffed “I don’t know just yet,”

He popped a cherry tomato into his mouth, noticing Johnny’s face had turned sour.

“Well, we just feel you’re one of us now,” Jacob piped up, his tail hovering next to him “It’s like you’ve been here...forever”

He grinned and leant over the table to steal one of Gecko’s tomatoes.

“Yeah, you’re almost like my brother,” Otto said

Gecko was flattered, and genuinely surprised at how nice they were suddenly being.

 

***

It had been two days. There was no sign of Max, and no sign of Gecko.

Had it all gone horribly wrong? Were they both dead?

So many questions were running round Lily’s head, over and over again. Lily was beginning to feel that her life was made up of nothing but confusion, her head was always filled with unanswered questions, and she could never find anyone to answer them for her.

She hated being lonely, the academy seemed ten times bigger and even more intimidating when she was on her own. She’d get the occasional chat from someone who sat next to her in class, but she’d always eat lunch on her own and, although she was used to having a room to herself, the room only felt colder now that Gecko wasn’t there to muck and have a laugh with.

 

Then one day, while she was walking to lunch, a small boy approached her with a letter in his hand.

She’d never seen the boy before, and he didn’t act like a normal boy should. He simply stuck his arm out and held the letter up to her face, for her to take it and then left. There was no explanation, no reason why – he just gave it to her.

Lily went up to her room, deciding this letter was meant to be kept private – lunch could wait, she wasn’t even that hungry.

She opened it hurridly, tearing at the corners and carefully opened the piece of paper.

 

Lily,

A certain someone told me to write this too you. He didn’t want to speak to you; he felt it would be best to keep his distance from you.

He told me to tell you to not worry about him, and to stop worrying.

I want her to Stop Thinking About Me, he told us all.

He wants you to move on, Lily, and we all think it’d be for the best.

 

Lily’s face was etched with horror and shock, her mouth opening wider with each word, each stab to the heart.

 

He’s not coming back, Lily.

It’s time to forget.

 

Signed,

Tam x

 

She slumped to the floor, leant her head on the wall.

Tam wrote this? Did Gecko really mean all those things, or was the letter forged?

It must be a fake Lily told herself

Max would rescue Gecko eventually; he was just taking his time to do so.

And if he didn’t, Lily would just go after Gecko herself.

 

***

Max decided to keep a low profile outside of the academy. He slept in an un-used bus shelter at night and avoided re-visiting the same roadside cafe’s or petrol stations more than once. He knew the humans would never be suspicious, but he just wanted to be extra careful.

It was a long way to get to the home of The Darkness, most of it was on foot walking along side a busy motorway.

He knew he was getting nearer as the road singled out into rocky track, heading deeper into murky forest.

When he arrived at the large steel gates, he waited for night fall before morphing into his younger self, then crept over the gates and snuck quietly down the long gravel drive.

He dashed for the grand oak doors, and then stopped instantly, hiding behind a trimmed hedge as he heard voices of teenagers and children.

He listened intently as the sound of their laughter and their footsteps on the gravel got further away, and then crept back out again – dashing for the doors.

He pulled them open, hoping his uniform of black jeans and grey hoody wouldn’t arouse suspicion, but luckily there was hardly anyone about.

He couldn’t quite believe how easy it had been to get inside, he just hoped that the next bit of finding Gecko wouldn’t be any harder – but he had a horrible feeling that it would only get worse.

Max had to do a double take as someone walked infront of him, He couldn’t quite believe his luck when he realised that that someone was Otto Black, the brother of Johnny. Otto stopped to glance at the small 12 year old boy looking him up and down in utter bewilderment, before asking;

“Are you lost?”

Max shook his head, but then quickly changed it too a nod.

“Where are you supposed to be?” Otto asked, impatiently shrugging his shoulders

“I was looking for someone called...Johnny Black” Max’s tiny, un-broken voice squeaked

“Uh-huh, he’s my brother,” Otto replied “Hey, what’s your name again, I don’t think I’ve seen you around here before?”

Max needed to think fast, the idea he had in his head sounded stupid and he knew it would only get him into deeper trouble, but he didn’t know what else to do, and Otto’s patients was wearing thin.

“Erm, I’m Charlie Black,”

Otto’s foreheard creased, his eyes looked hard into Max’s.

“I might as well just tell you here and now,” Max bit his lip, his mind telling his mouth not to speak these next few words “I’m your cousin”

 

It started with just two of them. A boy and a girl, siblings I presumed.

They never seemed to leave our swimming pool. We gave them food and drink but they never took it.

There was something eerie about them, the way they moved in the water; the way they watched us so intently. One thing I was certain, they definately weren’t human.

 

One morning, about a month after they’d first arrived, I was laying down some food for them by the steps that led into the pool when a sudden movement in the pool startled me. I watched closely as ripples and bubbles formed on the waters surface, gradually coming toward me.

I froze; this had never happened before. It was hard to work out what was making the water bubble and ripple – but I had a vague idea – was it of them? Did they finally trust us enough to come and talk with us – or were they just being daring? As they got closer, the ripples began to fade away and the bubbles popped slowly. Then, the water was still for a while.

My eyes darted around the pool, searching for any more signs of life. I couldn’t understand it – how could they hide so well that I couldn’t see them?

They looked perfectly human when I saw them about the water’s surface from my bedroom window – so how were they hiding?

As I turned round to leave, deciding they weren’t going to show, I heard a light splash of water. I spun round instantly and took in a sharp gasp of air as I saw his face.

His floppy jet black hair, his pale; chalk like skin and his eyes – dark blue in colour. But he had no pupils or irises, instead the dark blue clouded over his eyes making them look like balls of marble.

The way he stared at me sent shivers down my spine but he was beautiful.

Hauntingly beautiful.

I stepped slowly back to the pool steps, never taking my eyes off of him.

As I got to the pool; I dipped my feet slowly into the cool water as he watched my every move but I stayed standing up, deciding that moving anymore may frighten him away.

I wasn’t sure what to do next – talking to him could scare him away or he might not speak English but I couldn’t just stand here and do nothing. I didn’t have to wait in awkward silence for long as he suddenly moved to my feet in the water.

I watched him closely as his fingers worked their way slowly along each toe and around my ankle and foot. I noticed how his finger nails were a pale, mouldy green colour – they were chipped and his hands were covered in scars that looked like cat scratches.

“We don’t need your food,” He said suddenly, still tracing my feet with his fingers. His tone was cold “We feed ourselves”

“OK.” I said quietly, bending down slowly to pick up the plate of food I’d left earlier

“We don’t need to drink either,” His tone was still cold, his fingers now tracing round my toenails.

I argued with myself whether asking this next question would be a good idea or not, but I took the plunge and asked –

“Where’s your sister?”

I instantly regretted asking as his head shot upward to look at me – his eyes staring hard into mine, his lips curled back over his teeth.

“She’s not with us today,” He snarled, his eyes never left mine and he didn’t blink, not once.

I wanted to keep my answer short.

“OK, I’m sorry.”

But he still stared right into my eyes, his snarling expression relaxing slightly, I looked away uncomfortably but I could still feel his eyes on me.

“Get into the water.” He instructed

“Sorry?” I asked, shocked

“You heard.” He snapped

And he was right, I had heard, I just couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

I dipped myself slowly into the water, wincing as the cold water passed around and over my body, instantly soaking my clothes.

He moved back a little, allowing me to submerge my whole body. He watched me intently and I couldn’t take my eyes of his, I’d never seen anything like them before.

Then slowly, he raised his hands to my face, placing one on each cheek. I shuddered, still watching him.

“Wh-what are you?” I was being too brave, asking all these questions

I waited for an answer but it never came, instead he moved his fingers to my forehead, my lips, my eyebrows, my hair, my neck. I was beginning to feel extremley uncomfortable.

His eyes were searching all over my face, he was expressionless – concentrating.

I notice how the clouded patterns in his eyes seemed to move ever so slightly, like clouds in the sky.

“What are you looking for?” I asked him, nervously

I wasn’t expecting the answer I got.

As they continued to walk, Gecko began to suddenly feel very light headed. He thought it might have something to do with his wound, but when he collapsed to the floor with Otto holding him up, he could’ve sworn he saw a smirk on Johnny’s face.

“You alright, mate?” Otto asked him, standing him back up carefully

“Yeah, I’m-fine,” He replied, still feeling dizzy

“We thought we’d lost you again there,” Jacob grinned, patting him on the back

The others followed suit, even Johnny.

“Thanks guys,” Gecko smiled, suddenly feeling incredibly relaxed and comfortable

***

It broke his heart to walk away from her like that.

It broke his heart thinking about what he was about to do. He was going to save the one she loved.

Why couldn’t that be him?

 

He walked slowly down the corridors, his head drooped slightly – eyes to the floor.

If he was honest with himself, he had no idea what he was doing.

His name was a lot to live up to, and he needed to prove himself that he could do something for once, rather than just being the let down.

He left the Academy, stepping out into the human world. He knew exactly where he was going, and how to get there – he just hoped he’d get lost.

 

***

They were being really nice to him. Gecko thought himself a fool for hating them once, and he really enjoyed their company.

Otto was happy to play basketball with him, and even let him climb up the walls and Johnny taught him a bit of guitar.

He couldn’t quite believe that only a day ago, they were kicking him and punching him in that cold and dark room.

It was lunch, the group all huddled round one table, helping themselves to each others food and enjoying each others company.

“So Gecko,” Johnny started, his mouth full of sandwich “Thinking of moving here permanently?”

“Whoa, I’ve only been here 2 days and you’re already asking me that?” Gecko scoffed “I don’t know just yet,”

He popped a cherry tomato into his mouth, noticing Johnny’s face had turned sour.

“Well, we just feel you’re one of us now,” Jacob piped up, his tail hovering next to him “It’s like you’ve been here...forever”

He grinned and leant over the table to steal one of Gecko’s tomatoes.

“Yeah, you’re almost like my brother,” Otto said

Gecko was flattered, and genuinely surprised at how nice they were suddenly being.

 

***

It had been two days. There was no sign of Max, and no sign of Gecko.

Had it all gone horribly wrong? Were they both dead?

So many questions were running round Lily’s head, over and over again. Lily was beginning to feel that her life was made up of nothing but confusion, her head was always filled with unanswered questions, and she could never find anyone to answer them for her.

She hated being lonely, the academy seemed ten times bigger and even more intimidating when she was on her own. She’d get the occasional chat from someone who sat next to her in class, but she’d always eat lunch on her own and, although she was used to having a room to herself, the room only felt colder now that Gecko wasn’t there to muck and have a laugh with.

 

Then one day, while she was walking to lunch, a small boy approached her with a letter in his hand.

She’d never seen the boy before, and he didn’t act like a normal boy should. He simply stuck his arm out and held the letter up to her face, for her to take it and then left. There was no explanation, no reason why – he just gave it to her.

Lily went up to her room, deciding this letter was meant to be kept private – lunch could wait, she wasn’t even that hungry.

She opened it hurridly, tearing at the corners and carefully opened the piece of paper.

 

Lily,

A certain someone told me to write this too you. He didn’t want to speak to you; he felt it would be best to keep his distance from you.

He told me to tell you to not worry about him, and to stop worrying.

I want her to Stop Thinking About Me, he told us all.

He wants you to move on, Lily, and we all think it’d be for the best.

 

Lily’s face was etched with horror and shock, her mouth opening wider with each word, each stab to the heart.

 

He’s not coming back, Lily.

It’s time to forget.

 

Signed,

Tam x

 

She slumped to the floor, leant her head on the wall.

Tam wrote this? Did Gecko really mean all those things, or was the letter forged?

It must be a fake Lily told herself

Max would rescue Gecko eventually; he was just taking his time to do so.

And if he didn’t, Lily would just go after Gecko herself.

“Jade, are you sure we’re going the right way? Because I swear I can hear music,”

Fucking orienteering I thought

We’d been walking for 4 hours, heavy bags and tent crap on our backs. We were all exhausted and, quite frankly, lost

“Just because you can hear music, doesn’t mean we’re lost.” Jade retorted, marching on ahead

The rest of us groaned

“I really feel like a hot bath,” Liz sighed

“Don’t we all...” Bianca replied

“Nahh, I feel like swimming, in a nice big pool.” I grinned, and then the grin left my face “This is only making me feel a whole lot worse,”

We carried on walking for a while, the sun bearing down hard on our bare arms and faces.

“We’re definately lost Jade, just admit it now. This is someone’s garden, look – there’s a bloody garden gnome.” Leah said, pointing at this garden gnome

“Ugh fine, I don’t have a clue in hell where we are,” Jade finally admitted “This house looks really empty,”

The rest of us nodded in agreement, and then I noticed the other house.

With a pool.

“Wait here guys, I’ll go ask the people in that house where we are,” I said, dropping my rucksack

They let their rucksacks fall onto the ground and then collapsed themselves, not caring about the mud and rotting leaves they were now lying in.

The walk to the house felt like I was climbing a mountain, and by the end of it I was using the ivy growing up the walls to pull myself up with.

The house was huge and surprisingly modern, the pool looked so inviting and I had to resist the temptation of jumping in.

I could hear loud music and chatter coming from upstairs, out of the open glass balcony doors.

“Please be old, fat and ugly,” I whispered, not wanting anyone decent looking seeing me looking all sweaty and horrible

I knocked on the door.

No one answered.

I rang the doorbell.

I waited, listening intently as the bell rang throughout the house.

Finally, the grand doors were pulled open and I nearly fell over backwards.

It was fucking Garrett Nickelsen from The fucking Maine in his fucking swimming trunks.

What the hell was he doing in England?!

“Urm, Hi,” He said

“Hi, this might sound a bit strange but er-do you know where we are?”

“Other than England, I don’t have a clue,” He laughed a little

Aww, his laugh.

“Oh, don’t worry about it, I’ll just tell the others, it’s fine,” I smiled, feeling slightly dead inside

“Are you OK? You like kinda—” He was trying to think of a word that didn’t sound rude

“Rough?! Gross?! Horrible?! Yup, I know.” I replied “We’ve been walking for 4 hours today, with rucksacks and tents on our backs.”

“Sounds...fun?!”

“No, it really isn’t,”

“HEY GARRETT, WHAT’S KEEPING YOU MAN?” A voice called from inside the house

Was that John?! Pat?! Jared?! Kennedy maybe?!

“Erm, do you wanna come in? Have a wash or something?” He asked “This isn’t my house, but I’m sure the guy who owns it won’t mind,”

“That’s nice of you too offer but I’ve left my friends,” I was now regretting leaving them all, but then again...

“Oh, go back and get them then,” He grinned again

“You sure?” I asked, my heart in my mouth

“Yeah, I’ll see you in 5 then?”

I nodded, and he closed the door on me

I couldn’t contain my excitement; I skipped back to the girls like a 5 year old

“Whoa, she found the ecstasy by the looks of things!” Jade laughed

“Maybe not ecstasy, just Garrett Nickelesen from The Maine,” I squealed

“WHAT?!” Liz gasped, her whole body sprung up from it’s previous semi-conscious postion

“Mhmm, he was at the house, god knows why, I think the others were too but he said we could go back for a wash.”

“I’ll be doing more than washing!” Leah exclaimed, jumping up from the ground

The rest of us laughed as we ran back up to the house, too excited to care about how tired and smelly we were.

I rang the door bell again, as the others waited behind me, giggling.

“Behave you lot!” I whispered

The door swung open, but it wasn’t Garrett who answered, and this time it was Jade who nearly fell over.

“Sorry, I don’t buy anything from door-to-door sales people,” He said, it was Josh from You Me At Six

“Damn it, I want to be in this house soooo bad right now,” Jade whispered in my ear

I had to bite my lip to stop myself from laughing

“Ooh, we’re not sales people. Erm, I came here earlier but some other guy answered.” I said, smiling at his confused face

Then I saw Garrett run across the hall and stop abruptly when he saw who was at the door. He was dripping wet.

“Oh yeah, sorry about this Josh, she said they’d been walking for 4 hours and well...look at them.” He shrugged, grinning “I said they could come in and wash”

“Fair enough,” Josh replied, holding the door open for us “The bathrooms are upstairs, second on the left. There’s only two so you’ll have to take turns. Unless you’re into all that bath sharing shit.”

“Ooh, sharing’s fun!” Garrett grinned like a kid in a candy shop

Leah and Liz promptly burst out laughing

“Why don’t you guys just stay for the party too?” Josh asked, as we were half up the stairs

“There’s a party?” Jade asked, an eager grin spread across her face

“Mhmm, with us and The Maine boys, unless you guys have to be somewhere?”

“NO!” We all said in unison

Josh and Garrett chuckled at each other

“We’ll be right back then!” Bianca grinned, and we continued up the stairs, giggling in excitement

Gecko woke disoritentated. He must’ve been lying on the tarmac for a while, because when he pulled his face away, imprints were left in his skin.

He stood up slowly, loosing his balance a little.

He was still on that motorway, it was still raining, Lily was still missing and he was still stuck in hell.

He decided to just walk, and he walked on for what seemed like eternity.

As his eyes squinted to try and see through the rain, he saw what looked like a body, lying on its stomach, stuck under the rubble of a car.

He didn’t stop to think about who it could be, and if they were alive or not.

But as he got closer, he realised it was her.

It was Lily.

“Lily,” He whispered, his voice hoarse

She didn’t make a sound, but her head moved slightly.

Gecko sighed with relief, at least she was alive.

“Are you hurt?” He wiped away some rain drops from his face “Do you need my help?”

Lily made a small, muffled noise.

Gecko took that as a Yes; he bent down, putting his hands under her arm pits and gripping tightly.

Slowly, he pulled her out from under the car and lifted her up, so she could lean into his chest.

“Are you hurt, Lily?” He asked again, the rain was hammering down hard, Gecko did his best to keep Lily sheltered, but he wasn’t having much luck

“No, I’m fine,” She said quietly

But she didn’t seem fine, her hand was clutching the side of her stomach tightly, and she seemed dazed.

“We should try and find some shelter,” Gecko sighed

Lily nodded limply

“It’s never going to stop is it?” Gecko said, trying to make her laugh “this rain,”

Again, she nodded. She seemd exhausted.

They sat in the road for a while, Lily leaning into Gecko’s chest – his head resting on top of hers.

Lily moved slowly, her clutched hand falling to the side of her belly. Gecko noticed the wound.

“Lily,” He said, his eyes wide “That looks really bad, you should’ve said something earlier,”

She sat up a little

“No I’m fine Gecko, please-“

Gecko put his hand on the wound, pressed it hard. Lily let out a cry of pain.

“See? It hurts.” Gecko said, kissing the top of her head

His hand was still on the wound, as Lily placed her hand on top of his.

“It’s deep,” She said quietly, finally allowing herself to realise it was there

The blood from the wound was hot and sticky on his hand; Gecko began to wonder if it had cut through a main artery or organ.

 

Would she die?

 

“Gecko, will you help me up?” Lily asked, drawing breath to say every word

He stood up slowly, pulling her up under her arm pits.

But she slid back down, and Gecko caught her again.

“You’re too tired, Lily,” He said suddenly beginning to realise how serious a situation this was

“It hurts, Gecko.”

He could tell that it wasn’t just rain falling down her cheeks.

“I-I can’t even remember what happened,”

“It doesn’t matter, we’ll figure it out when we get out of this,” Gecko pullled her hair out of her face tenderly, his hand now back on her wound.

“But I won’t get out of this,” She shook her head

“What?” Gecko had to disagree, even if a small feeling inside of him was telling him otherwise “Of course you will. It’s just a scratch, Lily.”

She grabbed his hand, pulling one of his fingers and plunging it into the wound – both of them winced in pain.

“That’s not a scratch,” Her voice began to crack, she could no longer hold in the tears

Gecko gulped, he wiped her blood on his t-shirt, before the rain quickly washed it away.

“Will you get me home?” She asked him “If I don’t make it?”

Now Gecko felt the tears fall down his own cheeks, the salty taste on his lips.

He rocked her in his arms like a baby, kissing her cheek and the top of her head.

“Of course,” He said

Then suddenly, Lily fell – her head landing softly onto Gecko’s leg.

She traced her fingers round his knee, mumbling quietly.

“I can feel myself going, Gecko.” She said quietly

Gecko bit his fist, trying to fight the tears. He didn’t want to say goodbye. He wasn’t sure how he would.

“You’re not going anywhere,” He said through tears, trying to gulp them down

“I love you Gecko,” Lily said quietly

“No,” He replied “No, no, no, no, no, stay with me Lily,”

He grabbed her hand, squeezed it hard.

But he could feel her body get limper, her head began to relax.

He kissed her lips; he could taste her blood and their tears.

“I love you Lily,” He said quietly “I love you Lily March,”

 

She was gone.

 

Gecko cried. He buried his face into her neck. He stroked her cheeks, held her hand – hoping that some how he’d bring her back to life.

But nothing did.

Finally, he stood up slowly, scooping her lifeless body into his arms, he walked down the motorway.

He carried her until he reached a petrol station.

He was cold and wet but he didn’t care – He dropped to his knees and cried again. People began to crowd round him and Lily, but he didn’t stop to see. He just held her in his arms, wanting to hold on to her forever.

 

This was the end.

"Grape"


Probably the most random first word ever, but at least I'm not boring by saying just "Mum/Dad/Dolly"
I love my grapes. Still do now. xD 

***

Gecko woke again, his eyes were heavy. But he was surprisingly warm and comfortable, he sat up – realising his hands were pushing down on something squishy. A bed mattress.

He opened his eyes slowly to find himself in a bed, in someone’s room. He pulled off the duvet and leapt out of bed, before quickly collapsing to floor. He’d forgotten about the hole in his back, he felt it with his fingers; the blood had crusted over and a scab was beginning to form but it still hurt.

He also suddenly realised how hungry he was, without thinking he went to the door and pulled it wide open. He climbed up onto the wall, then the ceiling and moved along it, on the hunt for food.

The corridors were empty, so Gecko assumed it was either early morning or late at night.

He could smell food coming from a door a long the corridor. He moved faster, his tail swishing from side to side then, when he was certain he had found the door where the smell was coming from, he leapt infront of it and put his ear to the door.

He could hear muffled talk and laughter and what sounded like frying.

He knocked lightly, but in doing so, the door swung slowly open.

Shit Gecko thought Shit shit shit shit shit.

“Ooh, yum,” Said a girl with loosely tied brown hair; she was wearing pyjamas, staring him up and down.

Gecko looked at his bare chest and long pyjama bottoms, suddenly feeling paranoid.

“I meant the food,” She giggled, rolling her eyes

Gecko noticed Johnny and the others huddled round a small frying pan. He could tell this had been set up, Johnny had planned it all out and he’d fallen for it.

Gecko cursed himself for doing so.

“Want some bacon?” The girl said again, she approached him with a plate, putting her hand on his bare back and smiling

Gecko felt instantly uncomfortable.

“I’m alright thanks,” He said, forcing a quick smile

“No you’re not,” Johnny sighed “You’re hungry, I can tell”

“Has anyone got a t-shirt?” Gecko asked quietly “I’m kinda cold,”

Jacob, the guy with the monkey tail, grinned

“Borrow one of mine,” He replied “They’re in that drawer,”

He nodded his head behind him; Gecko pulled out a plain blue t-shirt and pulled it over his head. It fit just right.

“Thanks,” He sighed

“No problem,” said the girl, answering for Jacob

She was really starting to freak him out.

“Leave him alone Carly,” Jacob grinned “Sorry about her,”

Wow, they really were being nice. Even Jacob.

“Anyway, eat up then we can go outside or something,” Johnny said, finishing his bacon and eggs

He picked up everyone else’s plates and the little stove they were cooking on, then went to Jacob’s bathroom and dumped them in the sink.

“Let’s go then,” He smiled

The rest of the group got up, Johnny led them out as Otto put his hand on Gecko’s shoulder like a friend would, and lead him out the room.

As they walked through the corridor, which had suddenly got busy, kids Gecko had never seen before were smiling at him, waving at him and evening saying a quick hello.

What was going on?