The Embrace of the Frostborn

Chapter 5

I reached home completely exhausted.

So now after having at least 2 hours of unnecessary sleep I am sitting on the dining table for snacks.

“Want some?” Mom asks.

“Oh, yeah sure please.” “How was your day at school?” “Uhm, nothing eventful. Mon and Nat weren’t there so it was a total bust.”

I was trying to avoid my thoughts about him, but it seems like ever since calmness touched me, my soul is clinging to it as though it’s the last ray of hope

*********

After spilling all the beans in front of Mon about today, we have come to the conclusion that I’ll ask Kevin not to get too comfortable with me as I am not into him. I have my reasons and I don’t want anyone to understand unless Nat and Mon understood my choices.

Then to lighten us up Nat starts talking about the rumors she heard about me that she found funny, Mon joins in too.

Being a faculty’s ward is not easy around here, they all judge you; you are in the limelight all the time. They won’t count your achievements; however, they’ll never fail to point out your shortcomings. I assure you it is worse than being caught in a class bunk.

You have more haters than you can count, people choose to distance themselves and believe rumors about you even though they don’t know s**t about you.

So that"s what my normal human life is like; rumors, fights, dignity, discipline and some goody-two-shoes behavior because I am quite popular and I can’t afford to spoil my image here, at any chance. I have responsibilities to fulfill and I can’t let anything make me weak or vulnerable. Anything. Next day I reached the Children’s Park close to my house. Monica, Natalie and I always come here after school, it is our safe haven- our place.

Nat and I had decided to meet in the morning because I have my schedule packed for the evening today. I have asked Shabin and Roland to stop by to let them know about the plan that we’d follow on our trip to the Philippines.

If I am risking everything once again then it better be worth it.

“Nat, I am nervous. I don’t know what I’d do if I find out it is all real. If it really is… I don’t know, I’d lose my mind! But what if it’s not…? Maybe it’s not. But then where is he? It’s about time we met. Ugh, I am gonna drive myself nuts.”

“Okay think about how he used to make you feel and compare it with Kevin. You will have your answer right then Sera. He is your Heart, only you and you alone can identify him. Relax for now. We still don’t know for sure if Kevin is the same guy we are talking about, remember the chit was from Kevin not him. I am damn sure this is just a simple coincidence that Kevin looks exactly like him but trust me everything is fine. Breathe and chill out a bit.” Nat knows I can’t, this is totally unexpected.”

I am still under the effect of Kevin"s note and touch but I have to be prepared. The feeling Kevin awakens within me can mean only one thing. I am sure now. Kevin is him. This is Krius.

She knows it"s an oasis if I stay optimistic but the moment, I’d let my guard down it will be nothing more than a mirage. She reaches for my hand and gives it a tiny squeeze.

“Yeah, probably the reason behind this feeling you’re having is because you are thinking too much about it. Don’t worry Sera, everything"s gonna be alright, and eventually fall in place.” I hear Shabin’s voice coming from a tree. I look around as he jumps from one of the branches.

“I wish it could.” I instantly regret saying this aloud as I spot Shabin and Roland have already approached us and Shabin has clearly heard what I said given the eye glare, “I meant I wish it does soon.” And I flash them the most innocent smile.

“Hey everyone!” The voice being heavy, laced with the years of strain from wars and experiences from lifetimes. Mr. Rector.

I bow to him as he nods at me in acknowledgement. “Vivat se Celestanian! I hope you know why you are here.” “Surely. Explain the plan, we’ll work on it.” His mere presence levels up my morale.

“Actually, I haven’t made a plan yet. I want all of us to brainstorm together. No offense, but, uhm, I can’t really trust everyone. This might truly be our last chance.” I try to sound calm about it as if I haven’t thought about this. It hurts like a wound being iced by salt. I have to cover my fears and act as if I don’t need anyone in the middle of the night to calm me into sleep.

“None taken. It"s okay Sera, I know how your mind works. I have already sent word around; others must be on their way to the Philippines. We’ll come up with a fool-proof plan. Without any loopholes.” Shabin smiles at me seeing he has succeeded in taking off a huge burden from my shoulders. I really am lucky that I have Shabin as my brother and shield. He helps me believe in my strengths!

“Thanks for the effort, brother. Am glad I have you.” I give him a grateful smile and for heaven"s sake wish he stays by my side throughout our fight against the odds. I promise you Shabin, I promise to protect you as you’ve been protecting me.

“Alright let’s get serious now. Since we don’t know where Krius is or who he has taken form of, the only thing I can think of is-” He’s cut short by Kenn’s voice.

“Phew! We hope we didn’t miss the beginning!” We turn around and find the rest of the cursed Celestanians who chose to follow us around.