Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Hei-

Darkness is all that I see. Hatred, is all that has ever been shown to me. Why does it always have to be this way? I clasp the charm, it was shaped like a dragon. My mother told me it would protect me from those who wanted to hurt me. So why do people fear me so much to want to hurt me and why do others run away in fear?

“Because you are a monster.” an eerie voice replied. “Because people fear what they can not understand and they wish to destroy it. A horrible creature like you should never exist. You are a monster.”

“Who said that?” I asked, desperately searching the darkness. Those words began to echo through the darkness louder and louder till an image appeared.

“Tommy, please stay away from him.” I see a woman clutching a poor little boy’s hand and dragging him away. Her face turned in a frown, eyes full of fear.

“Why mother?” the boy asked turning to his mother, with pleading eyes, “We were just playing. Why is that so wrong?” I looked on eyes full of questions. Why? I thought, why can’t you see the real me? The me who I want to be.

“Because he’s a monster?” She said fiercely at her son. Then turning to me with a broom in her hand she swung and flapped it at me several times.

“Shoo! Get out! Go away you horrible little monster!” Monster. The word echoes all around and the image goes dark. I collapsed to the floor. Monster? is that really what I am? Why? Why was I born this way? Why must I carry this inside of me? Who am I really? ...Monster...

“I’m not a monster!” I screamed, slamming my fist into something solid with glass.

It was a picture of me and my mother. Watching the blood drip from my hand to the floor, I ponder. Maybe I should be locked away. I desperately punch out at the darkness.

I wake up in a cold sweat. The sun has begun to shine through the curtains. I hear a knock on my door.

“ Young master, May I come in? It’s time to get up and get breakfast.” a voice on the other side asks. I flopped back into my pillows. Freaking Lealand, It’s only like maybe six. Plus its cold outside my sheets. The last person I want to see right now is him. I don’t respond and continue to lay there. I hear my door open and i barges Lealand. He swoops over to the windows and opens the curtains.  I hiss and hide under my sheets. Ugh the morning sun burns my retinas. The proceeds to my bed. The next thing I know he grabs my sheets and rips them away. Cold air washes over me and I leap from my bed and grab Lealand’s shirt collar.

“You mind telling me why you decided to come bug me so early in the morning.” I snarl as Lealand just sits there cool headed. He then removes my hand and straightens his collar and his glasses.

“It's not early, Young Master. It’s nearly eleven o’clock. Also you need to get up and get ready for the day. You’ve been summoned by the Head of the Main house.” My heart sunk immediately. The Head has summoned me….I don’t want to go back there. I can’t. Soon Panic began to take over and I became infuriated at my weakness. To dispel it I swung my arm and punched the wall. It cracked underneath the pressure. The crumbles and dust fell. As well as the tapestry that was right next to it.

“Well then,” Lealand replied, “ suppose you best take a walk as well before your meeting. Now hurry up. Breakfast is long gone. But brunch is still warm.” With that he walked out shutting the door behind him. I sat on the floor. I have to go back there…

After changing and getting ready, I headed down to eat. As I got down the stairs, all the maids and workers said good morning as I passed. I pass by Cherry, the cook who always looked happy to see me.

“Master Hei, you look as handsome as ever but maybe a little too lean. I will add extra bacon and eggs. Got to keep you fit and strong.” She always talked as if she was fattening up the prize goose or hog. Maybe she’s the blind witch who's going to eat me. I chuckled, if only.

I sat down at the long table and watched as the food flowed out of the kitchen. I began to eat. Lealand came to report the news of how the estate was doing and what needed my approval to be taken care of. I nodded here and there. After signing the documents needed. He then began to run over my list of things to do. I ignore half of it. While still trying to maintain my cool about todays two o’clock appointment. Maybe I should just run. I began to leave the table to head to my study so I could hide but Leland stopped me.

“ Young Master, I’m sorry but did you forget my suggestion to go walk and cool your head? Or rather my order that you do.” I sighed no I didn't but I don't feel like doing it. Course I didn't want to respond. “ No response, well then follow me.” I gave in and followed. I will just sneak in through the back. He handed me  my Ipod and headphones plus a jacket.

“It is a bit chilly, but do take care and stay out of trouble. Enjoy your walk sir” he waved me off and shut the door. I began to move when I heard a click. He locked the front door?! I ran around the big house only to find every entrance locked. I can’t believe this?! They really locked me out, just to get me to go for a walk. With a huff I walked away. Well if I get lost and don’t return then that's on them. I began down the road towards town. Since it was the only logical destination to go. I passed through the woods and down the hill. I could see the ocean view, and smell the salt air.

After reaching the town, I kicked a rock on the sidewalk and watch as it bounces three times then off into the gutter. I growled, why did I have to go for a walk? I realized the tru reason they kicked me out was because of the damage I caused. It was pure accident! How was I supposed to keep my cool and forget that the tapestry was behind me. Especially after he calls me out of the blue to visit him at two o’clock today. I look at the sky and then the street which I am standing on. I hate this stupid town, with its stupid cute shop windows and it’s simple people who greet hello to every passerby. Simple-minded people. But I could feel the stares and I did not get the same “good days” and “how do you dos”. I knew what they thought of me just as I passed by each person. The terrified and suspicious look of people who do not know what it is they are staring at. How could I blame them, especially with my dark clothes, dark hair,my sunglasses, pierced ears and headphones also spoke stay away from me. I could see them whispering as I passed. Even with my music blasting in my ears I could hear their gossip.

“Who is he?” or “Where did he come from?” Yeah I know I’m a stranger because I rarely come out. I would hardly have walked these streets. Stay away, their nervous looks said. Good, they shouldn’t come close. I’m not the type you’d be friends with. I don’t deserve that kindness.

But if you didn’t take the hint from my outfit and my stern look, then I guess you are a fool.

Sitting down on a bench leaning my head back and eyes closed, I drink in the sunshine. But soon it becomes apparent even through the noise of my music that things are too quiet and still. I lift my head and look around, windows and blinds were shut and stores signs said they were closed when just moments ago there was life. It felt odd, it wasn’t even noon yet.  The streets are completely bare. I soon notice at least one faint movement, and I turned to see an old man sweeping outside his store front. Somethings strange is going on and my interest has been perked. I guess I better put on my best smile and try not to scare the local.

“Hey you!” He looked up startled but when he spotted me, he calmed only a bit. “ What’s up around here? What happened to everyone? Why is everything more like a ghost town now?” He looks at me and then nods his head. Like any old man pondering his thought so he can tell a story. Oh great, seems I’m in for one.

“You must be new to town. Well no matter, if you are smart you will be a hightailing for cover.” What? Why should I leave and hide? Maybe I did scare the locals.

“Why?” Fearing the worst. Maybe they know?

“Why?! Joe’s in town today! and she’s looking for trouble. Everyone is scared of her. Including me youngster.” He huffs and looks like he’s about to hit me over the head with his broomstick.

“Oh? but who is this Joe?” At that phrase he lifts up the broom and bops me on my head, and it hurt like hell. “Ow!” This old man is going to get socked if he doesn't quit.

“Who's Joe?! Why she's the bully who destroys our town and torments us, been doing it since she was a kid. She and her crew. Plus her big flashy, rich daddy does nothing to control her.” His face was red as a tomato. “ But at least it's good to know that she’s got her target for today. And thank the heavens she chose Tiger Cub.”

“Why?” and thankfully this time he didn’t whack me. Instead he smiled proudly. Oh dear.

“That would be this town's hero and knight in shining armor. Tiger Cub is the nickname we gave our little star. Ti is the only one who isn’t  afraid of her and is the only one who can match up to her blow for blow, but can win the fight.  Been taking Joe on for years to keep the order and balance here.” He then gathers his things and turns to go. Tiger cub? Well a fight  would have made my anger go away. But someone beat me to it I guess. I decide to finish up my walk, so I can go home. Or else Lealand will freak that I’ve been gone too long. I walk down the street and turn the corner as I pass by this alleyway on my left. I hear low voices that seem angry and threateningly. My interest perks again. Guess that fight might actually happen. Feeling eager, I turn around the corner. I hid behind an old oil can to gauge the situation better. Stalking, almost predator like. It has proven useful in a few scrapes.

“So Joe, where is your crew?” It has a bit more of a feminine pitch to it. But did they say Joe?

“Oh Tiger Cub, you hurt me deep. Aren’t we friends at all?” Wait a minute! Tiger Cub?! “ I don’t need them to handle you. My dog’s have already had there walk through town.” They must be who the old man man was talking about only seconds ago.

“Sigh, when are you going to learn to stop picking fights you know you will lose.” I peek over the can's edge and I see a huge bulky, looking guy holding someone against the wall. I make out a small figure. Is that big guy tiger cub or is it the one that’s pinned? No I think the burly guy is Joe and the other one must be Tiger Cub. But he looks very small. Some hero old man.Taking a longer look I notice slender arms and legs, long hair, and a feminine face. Wait a minute, Tiger Cub is a girl !? This girl is the the town hero. You have got to be kidding me that's even worse than a scrawny weak boy, I thought I saw before. Continuing my surveillance, I notice her appearance more. She looks like she's already been roughed up a bit, judging by her messy hair and the dirt on her jeans. She must have been thrown into the wall because her forehead had been cut right above her eye. That dirt bag! My blood slowly began to boil. A girl should never be treated that way. I slowly was losing control of my anger. Stay calm.

Author's Note

I thought a new plot twist compared to before could really change this.