Nyxia Rose

The lighting in my room is terrible for makeup. To remain low-key requires sacrifice. I apply my black eyeliner to my left eye with ease, but my right eye just isn't right. I won't settle for imperfection. I wipe it off and try again. It must be the pencil. Jack remains in my reflection on the bed. Jack has always been quite a mystery. His brothers are easier to read. I've always heard the saying two heads are better than one, but his three heads seem to be such a burden. He sighs.

 

His sigh sounds like an accordion. I know something is troubling him, but I giggle. The skin near my eye is beginning to turn red from irritation. I grab a nearby concealer immediately.

 

"Nyx, someone is here," Jack says, concerned.

 

"I am well aware," I answer.

 

"Are you just going to let them wander around?" he asks.

 

"Yes," I say coldly.

 

I return to my makeup, tossing my eyeliner into the garbage with the rest. I should be emptying the bin out. However, I am fascinated by the number of faulty pencils spilling over the brim.

 

I shake my head, popping the top off of my new pencil. Jack's other two heads are moving around aimlessly.

 

"That is wasteful! Mom says we need to use up the old before we use the new," Jake yells.

 

I stare a hole through Jack. He head-butts his brother.

 

Periodically, I regret my body choice for Jack and his brothers. Jack-in-the-box is only notorious for scaring children and surprises. Add in two more heads, and you start a rivalry.

 

Jake hangs his head on the side of the box in defeat.

 

"Aren't you wondering what brought them down here," Jack inquires.

 

"I know why they are here. The time has come, Jack. It's unlike you to be so concerned. Have I answered all of your questions now?" I reply.

 

"I am worried about Adelita," Jack admits.

 

I snap the eyeliner in my hand. My eyes meet his in my mirror.

 

"Now, why would you worry about her when I so carefully instructed you to walk her to her room," I bark.

 

All three heads break out into an argument.

 

"I told you she would be mad," Jake whispers.

 

"You should have lied," John blurts.

 

"Shut up, Jake you are such a baby," John yells

 

"I am not a baby," Jake whines

 

The fight knocks their box off of my bed, onto the floor. The fighting ensues.

 

"Cut it out!" I scream at them, slamming my fist into my dresser.

 

They cease their movement on the floor, heading my warning. I reach for my foundation brush and swirl it into the powder. The bristles calm my mood.

 

"Jack, gather the family and find Adelita," I command.

 

Jack and his brothers are staring at me.

 

'Nyx, why are you so obsessed with your makeup?"  Jack asks. 

 

I grin.

 

"Life is short my dear; everyone deserves a final, beautiful, memory before they die. Now go!" I order.

 

I can hear the brothers bickering fading as they moved further down the hallway. I stand up and make my way over to my spell-book. I turn the pages furiously.

 

I know it's in here somewhere, there!

 

I locate the passage and follow each word intently with my index finger.

 

"On this day a savior will arise to lead the army of virtue and abolish sin."

 

I click my tongue on the roof of my mouth.

 

How can that be true? That would mean we are on a team this time around. No, that can't be. It would break the rules!

 

I slam my book shut. I place my hands on the cover and stare into the wall.

 

 

Reviews

[wordman]

this reminded me of the troll that will post a poem in one account and comment on it with two more,,loved the story,kinda witchy

[Ookpik]

Really cool bit! I liked the multiple arguing heads image and the jack in the box comparison is really clever!

All of your characters seem to have a lot of depth and I'm excited to read the whole thing from beginning to end 👍

Nice job!

[Valentine]

Interesting , I had 4 brothers to battle growing up. I did not see the connection, were these your brothers or are you babysitting? The spell book line lost me as you did not look up a word. Valentine