Chapter OneA Chapter by PhillitupThe candle flickered, the flame danced, and the world went dark. Cody sat bolt upright in his bed, breathing hard. He reached his hand over, never opening his eyes, and grabbed hold of a disheveled spiral bound notebook. Cody also snatched up a pen and, flipping open the notebook, he began writing. The scrawl went all over the place until it stopped. He then preceded to draw a picture on the next page. He cracked open his eyes, closing them every other second or two. When it was completely finished he opened his eyes. The room was dark as night and a soft snoring came from his brother’s bed, which lay a few feet away from his. Cody gently placed the notebook and pen on his bedside table and carefully removed the sheets and blankets. He crept to the door and leaned his entire weight on it. It didn’t budge. His mother must have locked it from the outside in so that if he walked in his sleep, he couldn’t get out. Some nights she did and other nights she just didn’t want to think about her strange child. Cody tiptoed back to his bed and lay down, leaving the covers strewn on the floor. He stared up at the ceiling, trying not to think about what the dream might mean. Cody’s dreams had always been different than those of other kids. They always meant something, if only that he was tired. His mom hated it. Even more so, she hated the fact that she was the mother of a deranged “kid” who never had the sensibility to admit that it was only a dream. On the first day of kindergarten Cody had turned on his heel to face his mother. “Mommy. Last night I had a dream that I was hurt.” His mother had shaken the thought from her mind all day and when he got home, sure enough, he had double black eyes and was crying so hard that his face was wrinkled. That night she had also wept because someone in kindergarten felt the need to pick on her little baby, and he had predicted it. She had shaken her head as if to say “Crazy child” and thought of him that way. Truthfully, he was right. He always was. Cody turned over to face the opposite side of the room. He fell back in surprise. Staring at him quietly was his twin brother, Leo. “We go see the talent guards today about your dreams.” Cody nodded. He didn’t really think of his dreams as a talent or even a gift like Leo and the talent guards did. He was nervous, truth be told. He wasn’t exactly sure why. “It’s fine.” Leo reassured. He smiled. I just wish that were true. Cody thought. It is. Leo’s smile grew wider. It was rare moments like these when the two could connect so severely. Because of its unscheduled and rare occurrences, they had never mentioned it to anyone. Not even their mom. She already had a lot on her plate, she didn’t need another mysterious situation chasing her around. “You had another dream, didn’t you?” Cody nodded. His twin knew all the signs. Sheets on the floor, notebook lying upside down,worrisome look on his brother’s face. It wasn’t anywhere close to rare. In fact, it happened more often than anyone could count. Even trained mathematicians. It was unpredictable. Sometimes twenty in one night. Two notebooks were kept by Cody’s bed at all times along with five pens. It seemed like a bit too much but things got lost in the night and you never knew when your swiping hand would knock something off the bed stand. “What was it about?” Cody sighed. “A candle. It flickered and then everything went dark.” “Freaked you out?” Cody nodded sheepishly. Leo never made fun of him but he still was self-conscious about his dreams. He swung his legs down and hopped off the bed.
∞∞∞
“Who do we have here?” The talent guard bent down to peer at the five foot teenager. “Um,” Cody’s mom bit her lip,” this child is Cody. The one you’re looking at is his twin Leo. He doesn’t have a talent.” She pushed Cody forward. The talent guard stared at him and then at Leo. “I will take them both back for testing.” “But,” “No buts ma’am. I have a feeling that Leo may be like his brother. The twins gulped and eyed each other. “If that is so, they will go to a talent school. If only one of them, it must be so. Often times twins share an ability.” Their mother went white and her jaw sank. She closed her mouth but she looked absolutely terrified. That couldn’t possibly be the case. The talent guard grabbed them by their shoulders and led them through a giant metal door. As he walked them down a dark corridor he spoke. “Any questions?” Leo nodded. “Why do you think I have a talent?” The guard smiled. “You have the air of it.” “Huh?” “Intuition.” Leo nodded. Then he kept quiet. Cody’s thoughts were racing. Did what they experienced together in their minds count as a talent? What would happen if one of them had a talent and the other didn’t? So much could happen and it could all happen fast. “Here are two testers.” The guard exclaimed. The dead end hallway suddenly started widening. A huge, cavernous space sprawled in front of them, filled to the brim with busy people. There were kids, even adults of all cultures, clothes, ages, and actions. Most of them excited to find out the test results. They wanted to have a talent but Cody wished he didn’t. Two men in simila clothes as the guard came up to them. Each led one of the twins farther into the jumbled mess. Are you there? Leo concentrated. Cody frowned. Where are you? Some hallway. “Is there a problem?” Cody’s guide asked. Cody shook his head. “You will be led through a series of intellectual and mental tests. After you are done you may return to the waiting room from which you came. You will have your results soon afterward.” Cody nodded. © 2012 PhillitupAuthor's Note
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PhillitupFLAboutI am 14-years-old. I find inspiration all over the place: memories, ideas, things I notice. I like believing in things that others find impossible. I think that's the way I hope for a better future. .. more..Writing
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