The Damned

Thirty-Seven

Nix POV

‘August 24, 2028,

Write what I feel.  I feel…strange.  I write journals frequently, but this type of journaling is new to me.  I’ll give it my best effort though.  I enjoy writing.  It gives me a type of escape.  When I write journals at home, I put true feeling into them.  Hopefully, I will be able to do the same for this journal.

This school year is going to be strange.  Four days ago I had to say goodbye to my best friend.  She is an only child, so, on her birthday three days ago, she had to move to America.  She and I were our own click in school.  Now I don’t have her by my side, so, I’m alone in this school.

On the first day of school, I accidentally bumped into the most popular boy in school, who happens to be the future Alpha.  I also happen to have a class with the second most popular boy, the future Beta.  Apparently, when I bumped into Darian, I dropped one of my sketches.  Lucian said that he likes the sketch and made it seem that Darian does too.  But I digress.  That’s all for today.’

I finish my first journal entry for Short Stories class during Pre-Calculus class.  I head for the art studio and start working on my sketches for the first clay project.  Turning a red panda into a human takes precision.  Monday I’ll start working with the clay.  But today and tomorrow I want to perfect my sketches.

Darian POV

Today is only the second day of fall classes.  I have four classes with Lucian this semester.  Lucian and I are best buds, plus he’s going to by my Beta after graduation in the spring.  Lucian shares a class with the beautiful, silver-eyed girl, Nix, who bumped into me yesterday.  Her eyes are so remarkable and pretty.  I wish I could’ve had a class with her this semester, but oh well.  I do, however, share five classes with her older sister, Nina.  I wonder if I will be able to get some information about Nix from Nina.

Morning classes come and go, so, I head for the cafeteria.  I get in line and grab a burger, fries, and a protein bar.  I go outside to my usual table.  Lucian and Nina soon join the table.  I chance a look to the tree line.  Just as I’d hoped, Nix is sitting under one.

Nix POV

As I sit under my usual tree for lunch, I get the feeling I’m being watched.  I look up and see Darian looking at me.  Again.  He did the same thing yesterday.  I’m not that interesting, so, I don’t understand why he’s looking at me again.  He looks away after a minute.  I go back to eating my lunch while reading the first book assigned to us in English Lit.  Just before the bell is to ring, I pack up my things and stand up.  I walk to the art studio.

“Hey, Nix!”  Lucian exclaims with a wave as he enters the studio.  I feel my cheeks heat up.  Lucian sits in the seat next to me again.  “So, what artist did you choose?”  Lucian asks.  Mrs. Muir comes over with tablets so that we can do our research.

“What artists did you two pick?”  Mrs. Muir asks me and Lucian.

“Leonardo Da Vinci.”  Lucian replies.

“Thomas Kinkade.”  I reply.

“Excellent choices.”  Mrs. Muir smiles.  “Alright, class.  Here’s what I want you to learn about your artist.  Find out their birth and death dates, full name, media used for their artwork, if their paintings have hidden meanings, and just some basic background information.”  Mrs. Muir announces.  We all log into our tablets and research our artists.

‘Thomas Kinkade was born William Thomas Kinkade III January 19, 1958 in Sacramento, California, USA.  In 1982, he married Nanette Willey.  They went on to have four daughters:  Merritt in 1988, Chandler in 1991, Winsor in 1995, and Everett in 1997.  All their daughters were named for famous artists.  Nanette and Thomas separated about a year before his death.  Kinkade died April 6, 2012 at age 54 in Monte Sereno, California, USA, due to ‘acute intoxication’ from alcohol and diazepam.  His painting style was luminism using watercolor, plein air, and serigraphy.  He painted to give inspirational messages of home, faith, family, and inner peace.’

I finish reading and writing some more about Thomas Kinkade.  Shortly after I finish, I pack up my things and head for the door.  The bell sounds just as I reach the door.  I go to my locker, grab my empty notebook dedicated to Short Stories, and head to Greek Mythology.  Once seated, I begin writing the first story due for Short Stories.  The story has to be a minimum of five-hundred words.  So, here goes nothing.

‘Visiting my paternal grandparents every so often is a real treat.  They moved to Europe after my aunt, uncle, and dad were all grown up.  Most parents move to Europe when their children turn twenty-one.  In America and Europe, families are constantly moving due to the fact that after turning twenty-one, our kind don’t age.

Two years ago, while visiting Grandma and Grandpa Delaney, something incredible happened.  Grandpa Viktor took me to an aquarium.  It was my first time inside one.  There were all sorts of marine creatures there.  It was amazing.  I had never seen so many creatures.  Who knew that stingrays were so soft and adorable?  I was able to pet a few.  They feel so soft yet slippery.  I even got to pet a dolphin.

The most exciting part of that trip was meeting the British Alpha.  His name is Winston after the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill.  Alpha Winston is a very nice man.  His mate, Luna Vivian, is so sweet and generous.  She gave me a cameo pendant.  I still wear it quite often.  It’s so pretty.  I was so nervous around them since I didn’t grow up with them as my Alpha and Luna.  I also haven’t been back to visit since that trip.  I get cards from Grandma and Grandpa every birthday and Christmas though.  Luna Vivian even sent me a card for my birthday last year.  Luna Vivian even sent me a picture a couple months ago of her newborn, Alex.  He’s going to be such a heart breaker when he grows up.  Luna Vivian also wrote how she hopes for a daughter.  I hope, for her sake, that she has a daughter.  She is going to be a great mother no matter what.  I’m glad she liked me enough to keep me posted.  I can’t wait to her from her more.  I hope the Luna here on the island will be kind and generous like Luna Vivian.’

Just as I finish writing, the bell rings signaling the end of Greek Mythology.  I gather my thing and head for Lit class.  English Lit is usually a class for juniors, but thanks to my learning curve, I got accelerated in my classes.  Like Herbology.  Sophomores are supposed to be enrolled in courses I and II, but I’m in III and IV.  I’m also a year ahead in math.  Because of my advancement, I’m graduating a year early.  Principal Parrish has agreed to let me walk with the current junior class when they graduate next school year.  I get to Lit class and start sketching.  I decide to work on my sketch for my red panda human.

Darian POV

Today in Calculus, Mr. Wayland asks us to get in groups of three.

“So, who’s going to be our third?”  Lucian asks already knowing he and I will be together.

“Hey, Nina.”  I say.

“What’s up, Darian?”

“Wanna join mine and Lucian’s group?”

“Yeah.  For sure.”  Nina smiles.

“Now, pick a spot to go to.  The groups and spots you choose today are going to be the same for the whole year.”  Mr. Wayland announces.

“How about the hallway?”  Lucian asks.  Nina and I nod in agreement.  After Mr. Wayland gives us our assignment, my little group goes out into the hallway and we plant ourselves on the floor.  When it gets close to time for the bell to ring, we go back into the classroom and gather our things.  The bell rings and I head for my guitar class.  I find solace in playing guitars.  Plus, it impresses the ladies.  But I’m only interested in impressing my future mate.  I can’t wait to share this talent with her.  Whoever she is.

Mrs. Patrick gives us our first assignment today.  She wants us to pick a famous guitarist and learn a piece of one of their songs.  I already know which guitarist I’m going with.  Brian May is an icon.  His career with Queen was incredible.  His solo in the song “Blue on Black” by Five Finger Death Punch is amazing.  That solo is what I’m going to attempt to learn.  We have two weeks to learn our selections.  Mrs. Patrick hands out a tablet to each of us so that we can look up guitarists.  Mrs. Patrick comes around ten minutes before the final bell to see what guitarist each of us picked.  As class ends, I go by my locker.  I watch the hallway and see Nix come out of the art studio.  I wonder what art class just ended.  I grab my things and head outside to the parking lot.  I start up my motorcycle.  I don’t wear a helmet because crashing won’t kill me.  I drive home and start my homework.

Nix POV

‘August 28, 2028,

Today I turned in my first story.  I hope it goes over well.  I’ve never been to an aquarium.  I’ve always wanted to go to one, but have never had the chance.  When visiting my grandparents in Europe, we always went to art galleries or museums.  They wanted me to know history better.  Aquariums aren’t fully historical.  They are more modern than galleries and museums.  Grandpa Viktor also made us listen to classical music on a phonograph.  He wanted us to be cultured.  I have learned a lot from Grandpa Viktor.  Grandma Joyce was always making us cook our meals.  She has always said that cooking is a necessity to life.  She wants me and my siblings to know how to cook for when we have our own households.  I have become well practiced in the kitchen.  I can’t wait for the day that I get to cook for my mate.  I wonder who he’ll be.  Well that’s all for today.’

I finish writing my journal entry in Short Stories.  At some point this week I need to write about the topic Mrs. Tucker put on the board.  The topic this week is our plans for the future.  Mrs. Tucker also gives us our second assignment that will be due September 29.  The assignment is to describe our dream vacation.  I will have to do a small amount of research for this particular assignment.

The bell rings signaling the end of Short Stories.  I gather my things and head to Herbology.  After Herbology, I head for my locker and gather my lunch.  Today I packed an orange, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and some kettle cooked chips.  I go to my usual tree and begin eating while reading Dracula for English Lit class.  This time when I feel someone watching me, I don’t look up.  I focus on my book.  I am able to finish the second chapter during lunch today.  I collect my trash, put my book back in my book bag, and head inside.

Darian POV

Today at lunch when I look over to Nix, she is engrossed in a book and doesn’t look up to meet my eyes like she has the past few times I’ve looked at her.  It’s like she can sense that someone is watching her.  She is so intriguing to me.  I don’t know how else to describe my desire to know her better.

“Hey, Nina.”  I say turning back to the table.

“Yes?”  Nina asks smiling.

“What’s your sister’s favorite color?”

“Isn’t it obvious?  Black.  It’s like all she wears.”  Nina says with a scoff as if she doesn’t approve of Nix’s style.  I, on the other hand, like Nix’s style.  Girls who care too much about their appearance hold no interest with me.  I think that’s part of why Nina scoffed.  But, who knows.  Lunch ends and I head for Herbology with Mrs. Sprout.  It’s also one of the classes I share with Nina, but I’m not focused on that right now.  Lucian heads for the art studio and my curiosity is buzzing with wondering what he and Nina will talk about today.

Nix POV

As I get settled in my seat, Lucian walks into the room.  He smiles at me and comes to the seat next to me.

“So, did you decide what painting you are going to mimic?”  He asks.

“Yes.  I am going to mimic Garden Manor.”  I reply showing him a print out of the painting.

“That’s a neat painting.”

“Thanks.  What about you?”

“I’m doing La Scapigliata.”

“That’s an awesome painting.  I love the way they incorporate it in a movie I enjoy with Drew Barrymore.”

“Ever After is an excellent movie.”  Lucian smiles.

“It’s impressive that you knew which movie I was referring to.”  I smile in return.

“I’m a fan of movies.”

“Same.”  We talk off and on throughout class while working on our projects.  I start by sketching the main parts of the painting I chose.  I can’t wait to see how Lucian’s turns out.  Class ends and I go to my locker to gather what I need for my next class.

Classes end for the day, but I have my behind-the-wheel training.  I meet my teacher and the other student outside.  My driving partner goes first today.  After an hour of the two of us driving, we head back to the school.  Mom waits for me.  We go home and I go upstairs to start working on my homework.

Nix POV

‘August 30, 2028,

My hopes for the future.  Well, my only real hope is to find my mate.  I hope he’ll be everything I imagine him to be.  I imagine him tall.  But that’s not a hard thing to request.  I’m short, so, naturally most people, especially guys, are taller than me.  I also want him to be a true gentleman, like opening doors for me and holding my hand.  Stealing kisses whenever we can.  Cuddling every chance we have.  Watching movies.  Marking each other in a momentous way.  Understanding each other better than anyone else.  Seeing the world together.  I’d also like to have at least two kids with my mate.  That way they don’t grow up alone.  I can’t even imagine having to grow up as the only child.  We also wouldn’t have to move to the States.  I would one day like to visit the States.  I’d like to visit a lot of places.  Hopefully, my mate will be willing to take me places.  But, time will tell.’

I finish writing and grab Dracula from my book bag.  I get settled in my window and read through to chapter eight.  I put the book down and grab my sketchbook.  I work on the sketch for Sketches.  After I finish drawing the first scene, I yawn.  I close my sketchbook and change into my pajamas.  I rub some lavender lotion on my hands and crawl into bed.

Nix POV

‘September 4, 2028,

Last week seemed to fly by.  One minute it’s Monday morning and the next it’s Saturday night.  Now, sitting in Greek Mythology, I can’t help but think about this week’s topic.  This week we are to write about our dream job.  My dream job is a veterinarian.  I love animals.  Not just because I will turn into a wolf, but because animals are so fluffy.  My family and I have a pet cat.  She’s a Lilac Siamese named Isabella.  We often just call her Bella.  She loves to curl up on my lap.  My favorite animal is red pandas.  I have never actually seen one in person, but just from pictures, they are super cute.  I actually have several stuffed red pandas that my family has given to me throughout the years.  Maybe one day I will actually get to see one in person.  That’s all for today.’

Greek Mythology ends, so, I head to Lit class.  Today we are discussing the first four chapters of Dracula.  I have already read past what is due today.  I enjoy reading so much.  Dracula is a new one for me.  The Phantom of the Opera, which we will read last, is also a new one for me.

Tonight, after school, I do my driving and head home.  It’s a nice day, so, I walk home after driving around for an hour and a half.  When I get home, the house smells amazing.

“What’s for dinner?”  I ask entering the kitchen.

“Meatloaf and baked potatoes.”  Mom smiles.

‘Baked potatoes?  Yummy.’  Isla says to me.

‘Yeah.’  I agree.  “Sounds, and smells, delicious.”  I say aloud.  Mom hollers for the others to come to the table because dinner is ready.  Nina fills us in on things happening at school so far this semester.

“Homecoming is just a month away.”  She gushes excitedly.

“Have you been asked to go to the dance with anyone?”  Mom asks.

“No.  The pops are just gonna go as a group this year.”  Nina replies.

“That should be fun.  Nix, are you going to the game?”  Dad says.

“I was planning on it.  It was always something Yvonne and I did together.  Even though she isn’t here, I still think I’m going.”  I reply.

“That’s good.”  Mom smiles.

“Yeah.  I’m proud of you for still thinking of going.”  Dad smiles too.

“Thanks.”  I smile to the two of them.  We finish eating dinner and I go upstairs to take a bath.  I add lavender bubble bath to the water.  Once the tub is full, I slide into the warm water.  Tonight I skip the book and just soak in the warm water.  I slide under the surface to wet my hair.  As soon as the water starts to cool, I get out of the tub, dry off, and dress in my pajamas.  I curl into bed and drift off into a dreamless sleep.

Nix POV

‘September 11, 2028,

Today is my father’s birthday.  Even though he no longer ages, we still celebrate the age he would be if he were mortal.  So, in light of that, today my father turns thirty-seven.  My mom is two years older than my dad.  She knew that he was her mate and before my father turned eighteen they had completed the mating process.  Because of this, my mom became pregnant right away.  A month after my dad’s eighteenth birthday, my mom became pregnant with my older brother Theo.

Tonight for celebration, Theo, Nina, and I will be making dinner for my dad.  We plan to make his favorite meal.  Meatloaf, homemade mashed potatoes, and French style green beans.  Nina is in charge of the potatoes, Theo is in charge of serving, and I’m in charge of the meatloaf and green beans.

I can’t wait for my dad to open the gift I got him.  I had help picking it out from my mom.  She has assured me that he will love it.  I got him three dog tags and a silver chain.  The dog tags have been personalized to have mine, Theo’s, and Nina’s names and birthdates on them.  I’m excited.  He’s always wanted dog tags.  I hope he likes what I put on them.  Well, that is all for now.’

Nix POV

‘My dream vacation is Ireland.  I have seen many calendars showing Irish landscapes.  There are so many old castles there.  Plus one of the best crystals of the world is made there.  Waterford Crystal.  I’ve seen many unique pieces at our mall.  One of the most popular sights in Ireland is The Blarney Stone.  People say that you hang upside down and kiss the stone.  It’s written that once kissed the stone bestows the gift of eloquence.  According to a websearch:  ‘Some say it was Jacob’s Pillow, brought to Ireland by the prophet Jeremiah. Here it became the Lia Fail or ‘Fatal Stone’, used as an oracular throne of Irish kings – a kind of Harry Potter-like ‘sorting hat’ for kings. It was also said to be the deathbed pillow of St Columba on the island of Iona. Legend says it was then removed to mainland Scotland, where it served as the prophetic power of royal succession, the Stone of Destiny.’  I hope one day to have the opportunity to kiss the stone.’

Darian POV

Tonight is the last night of practice before the homecoming game tomorrow night.  There is only one school on this island, so, our opponents for the homecoming game are previous soccer players who still live on the island.  This year we have a couple players coming from the States.  I wonder if Nix will be at the game.  I hope she will be.  But I can’t think about that now.  I need to focus on practice.

After practice, I go home and fix a plate of eggs, bacon, and toast.  Breakfast for dinner is one of my favorites.  Mom comes home shortly after I put my dishes in the dishwasher.

“Hey, sweetie.  How was practice?”  She asks as she starts to fix herself a sandwich.

“It was good.  Nothing unusual to report.  How was your meeting?”

“Good.  We discussed the ceremony for after graduation.  We also discussed some finances.  But nothing unusual to report.”  She says with a smile.  I smile in return.

“Well, I’m gonna go work on homework now.”  I say and walk out of the kitchen.  I go upstairs to my room to get started on homework that way I am all caught up over the weekend and can enjoy myself.  I finish homework and change into my pajama pants.  I curl into bed thinking about the game as I fall asleep.