Act Natural

Ch.1 - Wake Up Sleepyhead

Willias Blacke

".... llia... s... will... willias... WILLIAS!"

I threw myself back to reality in my living room. Someone shoved aside black curtains to let in the sunlight. The distant sound of a functioning air conditioner filled the room.

Our butler, Sean, was standing by the couch I rested on with a folded stack of clothes in his hands. He tied his black hair into a short ponytail as usual, and his posture, impeccable, as usual. "Will," He began. "You've been asleep a while, and your father wanted you to do some errands for him. You can't spend your first week back in England dozing off!"

I groaned and pulled a pillow over my face. "But... IM... TIRED!!!!" I rolled over and let myself fall on the floor, knowing well that the fluffy carpet would catch me. I raised my arms above my head to stretch. Sean sighed and grabbed my arm. "Willias, I know that we're buddies and all, but you have to obey your father. As do I." He pulled me up and brushed some dust off my shoulder.

I gave him a pleading face. "Aww, come on! What did he want me to do that you couldn't anyway??" I asked. Sean pat my back. "Y'know how the Founder's Day Party is tomorrow? You just need to check up on the preparations at the building. And—" He handed me a cup of water.

"You need Vitamin D. You look so pale these days!"

"That's cus' I'm a vampire, duh," I hissed to add to my point.

 "And it's almost sunset!"

"You've slept enough, I'm sure you have the energy to make it back before it gets DARK dark."

I cursed under my breath and grabbed my jacket from the coat rack. "I'm using my motorcyc—"

"Oh, I forgot to tell you! Your motorcycle's in maintenance..."

"Then I'll get the convertib—"

"It's in the carwash, Willias. God gave you legs, So walk. "

"You're the worst, Sean."

And that's how a ferocious back-and-forth slap fight began.

- - -

I sauntered down the streets of Willowfield, taking my time and rehearsing my grand entrance into the Blacke Building. It's been 2 years since I've seen my hometown, Willowfield, but California was nice. I haven't been here in a while. My father made me stay in California, so I was close to him while he worked. Everything looked the same as it did before I left for America. Willowfield had quite a lot to offer for entertainment. There was a cinema, stores of all kinds, many bars, and a mall. And my family owned most of 'em.

I picked up the pace, shoving my hands in my pockets.

As I walked, I felt like I was being watched. It was creepy watching. Stalking to put it.

I picked up the pace once again, darting my eyes to the side every 5 seconds. Nobody seemed to glance at me aside from some girls sitting at a nearby café, most likely talking about my looks.

I turned around. Behind me was a tall, muscular man with a matte black trench coat and black mask. He was wearing a sweater vest like I was. The man was gripping a phone in his hand and his dark, pensive eyes were staring directly into my blue ones.

I stood there questioningly as if it were a staring contest until I saw it. A still clock in his left eye, showing the time: 4 seconds after 12.

You see, my dear readers, there are these people called Calendars. They're the time police, part of some organization that keeps Time in check. And I'm a time traveler. You do not know how much trouble I've caused with them over the years. I'm basically a criminal for messing with their job. How fun.

Sweat beaded my forehead as I ran in the other direction as fast as I could.

I darted through the streets, trying my best not to bump into other people. The sky was fading into a dark purple behind the buildings in the distance. The buff, mysterious guy with the clock eyes followed a few meters behind me. 'Shi—"

I ran faster, breathing heavily and squinting as the wind blew dust into my face. My eyes watered as my heart hammered against my chest. Small birds flew away as soon as I disturbed them, and people stared, probably confused why I was running. 'They found me! In my own time! That's why!'

The Calendar was gaining on me, and I had to find a place to hide. Looking around, I noticed a crowd forming by a bar I've never been to before. "6th Century" is displayed in elegant calligraphy in front of a large building. It was quite famous, being a successful nightclub that's been open for centuries. Literally. The name was quite creative. I could never go out at night so I've never been inside, but at the moment, it seemed like the best option.

I duck down and pretend to be entering the bar, silently thanking my parents for giving me the short genes. Once I saw no signs of the Calendar, I straightened my back and ran my hand through my light hair, walking into the bar, snatching out my wallet, and showing my ID to the guard. He inspected it for a few seconds, then flashed me a friendly grin. 

"Go on in, Mr. Blacke."