Dusk Till Dawn Triple Town

Message from the Prisoner

Matthew's POV.

Five minutes’ passed and I'm still here. The one place most people dread, where the bad kids visits regularly and the good kids, like me fear. The one place where every students fates are being determined.

The principal office.

Hey, it's not like I did anything bad. I may or may not have been the one scaring the juniors, about a monster in the janitor's closet, turned on the fire alarm when there was really no fire and set the snake loose in the biology lab. Don't get me wrong, it was all for a good cause.

Forget the measles epidemic incident. That was a miserable prank for the three J's, hash tag cuddly, fluffy girls. Those stereotype 'I want every thing to be pretty in pink' girls, walking with brains on their feet and hearts in the air, spreading their save the animals campaign to every guy they know.

Aren't I lucky?

Hey I'm a good kid. I do my homework, well most of it, I respect all levels of humanity, as long as you respect me, and I have a love for adventure, without the roaches and the creepy crawlies. You can't find me wanted for anything suspicious, again forget about the fire alarm incident.

Now back to the three J's, Jasmine, Judy and Jenifer. They have this weird fantasy that one day I'll be their boo, following me with those lost puppy dog eyes like flies attracted to poop. I know they like me ( yeah! More like obsession and those lousy save the polar bears fliers and messages).

Why can't they get it that I don't like them from their 'oh! You're so sweet sugar sugary' smiles to their pink suade heels. So I thought to myself, how do you stop kids from sweets? Then it hit me.

The old trick in the book. The boils and spots prank, that'll definitely get them. It had to. Though things didn't turn out as I had expected.

I borrowed Alice's makeup and applied fake dots on my face and body using dried up lipstick balls, some concealer and an illusion spell I've been working on. I had myself my homemade measles recipe.

So I went to school that morning with the gunk on, hoping the girls would let me be. Did my plan work? Did it fool our hormonal population and made heads turn away in disgust? Yes.

Did it work on the girls?

Maybe!?

Somehow they felt really bad for me and their fluff stuffed brain decided to make poor baby Matty Wawty all better. Nurse me back to health they did, with different kind of remedies they found online. To cut the story short, turns out later on I caught the chickenpox and so did they.

I had to spend three weeks in the same classroom with them. Of course the school doesn't allow us kids stay home when ill, unless you literally can't lift a finger.

I know, I know, my pranks sucks at least I'm improving. Those don't count as bad things, so why am I here? I hope they haven't found the five month old salami sandwich in the cafeteria yet. What? I'm a good kid, people just need to understand me better. Even the teachers can prove it, well except Mrs Cooper, she always has it in for me.

I remained in the office waiting for the principal, Mrs Evelyn Harrison. This time we got a female principal, she's quite nice and very strict, yet creepy. Unlike our previous principal, she knows how to so her job. She's hot and married to some rich dude which is unusual. Why would anyone who's well off want to be the principal of a school, a public school?

I sighed, this is my fifth time at the principals office and still nothing has changed. From the old dusty book shelves to the daily delivery of Lady Georgia coconut sugar cookies. Wait, cookies?

I eyed those delectable assorted pastries in different paper plates and pans on Mrs Harrison desk. Strawberry shortcake, chocolate brownies, shortbread, sugar glazed doughnuts, raisins in muffins, coconut balls, Swiss rolls, blueberry tarts, pineapple frosted cakes. I could feel my mouth water, since when did her Ladyship start daily deliveries?

Oh lala! Even the packaging look good enough to eat. The large purple box was left uncovered leaving the rest of the goodies in sight. Vanilla cupcakes topped with dark and light chocolate syrup and sprinkles, heart shaped lemon pies, chocolate chipped cookies and to finish it up, custard cream pie.

This is pure t*****e. How am I supposed to stay sane like this? This might be a trick, to test our ability to restrain from these treats. To hell restraints, maybe if I could just sneak some of those sugar cookies. No one's here, there's enough to go around anyway. No one's gonna miss them.

I was about snitching a few of the goodies when the door squeaked open, revealing the principal. She was dressed in a blue long sleeved blouse and a straight skirt of a deeper shade. Her honey coloured hair was in a high ponytail, her sharp black eyes scanned the room then finally landed on me.

“Matthew you're here”. She stepped aside then walked in revealing a boy I've never seen before. The first thing that hit me was his aura. Those little sparks only those with the  ability to cast have, just like uncle Sy. This one's stronger, stronger and the feeling is closer to the one I felt when I first met Alice.

That feeling like I should serve and protect. It's all so confusing, the only people with those abilities here in triple town are aunt Mary, Alice, uncle Sy, Lady Georgia, the seven flower sisters, Myles, old man Paul, the jam maker (what's her name?) Oh and me. This new addition's unknown, until now.

He was tall, maybe slightly shorter than me. Might be around the same age. He had his curly brown hair secured in a bandanna and his eyes shaded, so I couldn't tell the colour, though I knew he was bored. The way he was slouching as he walked in.

He had this don't mess with me look that spelt trouble. If it wasn't for his aura we would have clicked, yet something wasn't right about this guy and it didn't sit well with me. I just felt like I should serve him, obey him. This signals it feels weird, like he's some king.

Or something.

I tried to look past the lenses and met his intense gaze. He kept starring at me as if daring me to break contact, which I did. Safar it's as if he knew all my secrets in some kind of way.

“This is Asher Malone, a transfer student who'll be joining us this year.” She said waving her hand to the boy to the sit next to me. “Asher this is Matthew Byron”. After she said that, the room became still and awkwardly silent. Both the new guy, Asher I mean and I were sizing each other up. That's until he broke the silence.

“Nice to meet you Matthew. Is it Matt or Matthew, or Matty Wawty, which one will you prefer I call you?”. He said as he casually selected a shortbread, biting hard into it to hide his smirk, while examining me under his thick long lashes. You just got here and you're acting like you've been here for centuries.

“It's Matt to you.” I replied harshly, I hate it when people call me by my name in full, so I'm not being rude. Freedom of expression people. And how did he know about the pet name the three J's christened me with?

“Hmm, I kinda like Matthew. Do you have friends by the way?” he asked again, silently.

What kind of question is that weirdo? I lifted my left brow (the only one I could lift). Of course I have friends, is this guy for real? It ain't your business either, stupid. That's what I would have liked to say, not when the principal's around.

“Yes he does.” Miss Harrison answered for me as she handed Asher a file and a pen. “Alice and Matt are inseparable. Just like two peas in a pod,” then she gave me a pointed look, “I just hope that one day he'll take a leave from her book and stay out of trouble.” I shifted uncomfortably, something tells me she already knows about the salami, Safar help me, can't you hide anything from this woman?

“Alice.” Asher whispered my best friend's name as if testing how it'll feel like, saying it. “You mean like Alice in wonderland?” he asked smirking.

How dare he, I'm the only one allowed to tease her with that. “No Alice Crawley.” Mrs Harrison replied, completely oblivious to his sarcastic comment. “Which reminds me...” She said taking her gaze off him to me.

“You might have been wondering why you're here.”

You think!

“As you know, Alice has been the one leading most competitions we enter.” She said waiting for my reply. Asher's eyes lit up a little.

“Er... Am I in trouble?” I asked making her chuckle.

“No, of course not, why should you be?” My eyes caught Asher's, he looked at me then shrugged. Looks like I'm not the only one who thinks the principal's creepy.

“Anyway, we were planning a surprise party for her for a job well done. I also know her birthday's this coming Friday, which is a perfect day to set the date for the party, and that's not all.” She paused taking a sip of water perfectly ignoring the treats before her (Nope I haven't forgotten about them.)

“I received a letter from the university of Boulevard.” She added giving me a knowing look while smiling. My eyes widened with excitement.

“Shut up!”

“Yes Matt, and please mind your language. Alice was given a scholarship.” Oh yeah! I did a little gig in my head. The whole time Asher remained silent watching me. (What's with this guy anyway?)

I was so happy for my girl, my Alice is going to Boulevard. Last year, Alice was worried about leaving everything she loved behind. Her friends, the inn and sacrificing her gift just to go to the school of her dreams to be a psychologists and be like the normals.

Boulevard was her dream school, after a lot of persuasion she finally picked it and has been worrying a lot since then. Now they've picked her. I love Alice so much, I didn't want her to waste her talent at a local university.

“My god she's gonna be so fringing happy.” I said finally settling down.

“Yes she will, again your language Mr Bryon. Everything for the party is going according to plan. Treasure was in charge of the arrangements until she caught the flue. Now we need a replacement and fast. So we picked you, who else knows Alice better than her best friend. So will you do it?”

“Is that a trick question?”

All this made me even happier until she dropped the bomb (No not the gas that comes from the butt). “Good, Asher shall be your assistant.”

“What? No I'm not working with him.” I whined.

“And why's that?” she asked folding her arms with her right brow up, looking intimidating. I wish I could do that.

“Yes, why is that?” Asher repeated imitating Mrs Harrison. He's bored expression held amusement and his lips formed a smirk (again with that stupid smirk). Oh I hate that guy, how am I going to explain that to the principal. I mean, I just met him so it'll seem stupid that I already hate him.

“Nothing, it's just that he's new here. He doesn't really know the ropes.” I answered trying to sound reasonable.

“We don't have much time, the party is this week and in two days away. We're lagging behind and we need all the help we can get. You can also help him in learning 'the ropes'.” She finger coated. “Please we need you, Alice needs you.” She begged, making me sigh.

“Okay, for Alice. So when do I start?” I asked also noticing how extremely quite Asher suddenly became again, is he bipolar or does he have some mood swing issues? I guess that's a good thing since he isn't making any snark remark, right?

“Right now in fact, Alice has been excused from school along with the other competitors, just for the maths competition the school's hosting this Friday. After the competition, the party would hold in the gym where she'll be celebrated and presented with the scholarship.

I asked Lady Georgia to cater for the event. First we need to know which treat Alice likes best, and that's where you come in. You'll have to try each of these pastries and tell me which four you think Alice would love the most.”

This was Christmas, new year, easter, Halloween and whatever occasion the normal celebrate all in one day. Looks like Lady Georgia's stolen my heart after all. All this goodies, Oh baby! I thought to myself, selecting those cookies I was eyeing earlier.

For the cookies, I made a mental toast... er... I mean Alice. As for working with Asher what could go wrong?

***

It was horrible.

This week was plain horrible. We had to clear the whole gym, wash the floors, scrape off dried gums, arrange chairs and fix the broken podium. There was also a nasty smell coming from one of the lockers. We had to play rock paper scissors to determine who to get it.

Ah! The things I do for friendship.

Turns out it was a hardboiled egg, left by one weirdo for whatever number of days. And due to the crowd, I had to get that thing out without using any spells. I had to do without casting a single spell for two days and it's been making me edgy.

Don't get me started on the decorations. One would have thought balloons and a few ribbons would do the trick, oh no! Not when Treasure's junior assistant's around.

Sandra Mullen. She didn't get the hint that she was no longer an assistant, she didn't want to. I told her that I've got this, then patted her head to move along. But she gave me the look, the dirty look. Safar knows when you get that look from a woman, you've overstepped it.

Calmly I let her carry-on with her thing, which proved that we really did need her. Besides she knows most of Treasure's earlier plans and that reduced the work load for me anyway. Except choosing colours and textures for the balloons, ribbons and table cloth. Is that really necessary?

It's the day before the party, so we've decided to hang the decorations this evening. This makes it easier in case there were problems that needed fixing, by tomorrow morning we'll be able to fix it since the competition ends tomorrow afternoon. And we still need to get rid of that rotten smell. We opened all the windows and used five of air fresheners, and it still smells bad.

“Hey, Mr Byron!” Sandra called out, we're currently on last name terms. “Should we use eggshell or coral for the napkins?” She asked when she approach me, then held out two napkins, one that looked white and the other pink.

What was their name again?

“Er... Both would be nice!?” I said unsure. It seems safe, I guess.

“Hey people! I need all the balloons blown before six. Do I make my self clear!?” She shouted her orders to everyone. Girl's got fire, no wonder she was nominated as a prefect. “You there!” She pointed at Asher who sat down. “Make yourself useful by hanging those ribbons.” He nodded then stood up.

Of all people, he seemed to be unfazed by all this. Never complained about anything. Never talked, just remained his quiet self. He listens and takes orders without whining or grumbling like the others. I respected that. He'd been out of my way unless I need him. He even brought his brothers along to help. Can you believe they're triplets? Triplets in Triple town.

“It's alright, you take five,” I said to him. He nodded again and sank back to the chair. It felt kind of awkward, I didn't want to start a conversation, I know I had to, but he beat me to it anyway.

“Some event isn't it?”

“Yeah.”

“What's she like?”

“She's bossy, mean, rude. Her head's filled with colours like eggshell or whatever stupid colour...”

“No no,” Asher said between chuckles. “Not Sandra, Alice, what's she like?”

“Oh, I don't know, she's a lot of things.” I said thoughtfully. “It'll take all day to explain.”

“I've got time.”

I looked at him, he still had his shades on. Come to think of it I've never seen him without them. Time, he really does seem like he got it all. “Okay, where do I start? She's...”

We were interrupted by a sudden sound of wood crashing. I looked right to see the already fixed podium trashed and broken, no not again! A scrawny kid laid in the middle of the mess dazed, his glasses askew and his nose bleeding. Another kid, much bigger, lifted him by the scruff of his shirt and slammed him to the wall.

Quickly I scrambled up to their direction to see what was going on. “Yo what the heck!? We just fixed that,” I yelled. The bigger kid turned his head to his side to look at me, yikes it's MacLeod, meanest dude in town. I jumped back, I've had history with this kid and didn't want it to repeat itself.

“MacLeod, you nitwit!” Sandra screamed. “You bottomless baboon, see what you've done. You fix it right this minute before I call principal...”

He ignored her. He picked up the boy, bunched up his fist to deliver another punch. He tried to take a swig and was held back.

One of the Malone triplets, the one with the low ponytail, Alex, grabbed his fist, his hands much larger, and twisted it to his back. He kicked his knees forward making MacLeod loose his balance. They went crashing to the ground, Alex on top, then Asher join him, trying to hold a struggling MacLeod.

Andrew managed to drag the poor kid out of the bully's grip. “Get off me!” bellowed an angry MacLeod. He kept kicking, trying to push the boys off. He kept cursing until Andrew booted him in the face.

I guess they weren't so bad after all.

***

“A penny for your thought.” It was already six in the evening, Asher and I were the only ones left in the gym while his brothers were waiting for him outside the school. Everything was all set and we were making last minute checks, just a few details, more like clearing up the mess we made. I must have zoned out until Asher voiced out.

“It's nothing,” I replied sweeping the leftover ribbons. After the MacLean incident, he went back to his quiet self, all previous conversation forgotten. Then people started to leave, I kept avoiding him as I worked, he got the hint and did the same, until the last of our helpers left.

We could have used spells to clear the remaining mess. I wanted to but I couldn't risk it I besides, the janitor was still here, somewhere. As for him, I didn't know why he was holding back. If only he could cast at least one spell so I could know what his miün was.

I suspected it to either be mind reading or mind possession. Those with that miün are usually not very outspoken, they require loads of concentration in order to control themselves. I read about them in the books we have at home. Still he didn't fit any category, he seemed different. What I don't know, I don't trust.

“All done!” He lifted his hands in defence when I gave him a pointed look. “Sorry, I was just announcing that I'm done cleaning that corner. Is that all for today?” He asked, “my brothers are still waiting for me.”

I looked around and yes the place was spotless. Windows washed, tables dusted, decorations hung to perfection, thanks to Sandra, and that rotten egg smell long gone. “I guess so, you must be tired of all these.” I nodded indicating the silver balloons.

“Who wouldn't,” he said then spread his arms wide to demonstrate the other decorations. “She must be special here, isn't she.”

“Yes she is,” I whispered packing the last of the dirt and dumping them in the bin. It was already late and I needed my bed and the image of yesterdays macaroni kept popping up.

I knew I should have taken a lunch break.

“Well see ya!” I watched Asher as he walked towards his bag. An unusual bag if you ask me, it was long and cylindrical with just one strap. I bet you could stuff a pole in there.

“Who are you really, Asher Malone?” I blurted out, oh no! Did I just say that? I blushed.

“I beg your pardon?” He turned around and gave me a confused look. “What are you talking about?”

“Oh don't give me that nonsense, no one's here to hear us. I know you're a wizard so drop the act!” I said rolling my eyes. He kept eyeing me, his mouth grim. Come on, say something.

“First, it's not called wizard, it's spell binder. And yes I'm a spell binder. Second, the janitor's still here.” He said in a 'as matter of fact' tone then shrugged.

I rolled my eyes again. “Yeah but what are you doing here? You're not from here are you? We only have a total of...” I stopped to calculate. “Fifteen who have the magics. Where were you and your brothers? Where have you been all this while?”

“I believe my business here and my life has nothing to do with you,” He frowned, his hand reaching up to his neck then dropping back down. “And Triple town isn't the only place with the magics.”

“Who are you?” I insisted.

“You're quite persistent aren't you?” He said shaking his head.

“You got that right!” I smart mouthed. Trust me kid, I can be more than persistent.

“You're different from a normal spell binder.”

“And why is that?” I asked,

“You really don't know?” Know what? What's he talking about? My eyebrows drew together.

“Since you do why don't you enlighten me?” I lifted my arms and folded them in front of my chest.

He looked up then sighed. “They might have kept it from you for a reason.” Looking right back at me he added, “You really don't know who I am because you weren't told.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Have you ever wondered where spell binders originated from? Surely you've heard about the Mystical realm haven't you?”

“No.”

“Well I guess you should asked your uncle Sy.” Turning around, he went for his bag.

“Wait wait wait wait wait...” I called after him. “You just wait.” I grabbed his hand and spined him around. “How do you know about my uncle?” I asked suspiciously.

“Lets just say, I know a lot than you do.”

“Yo Ash, come on we gotta go!” Alex called out from the entrance. I let go of his hand taking a few steps back.

He reach down to grab his pole-like bag, but I was quicker. I held it high, thanking Safar for the advantage I have over him with my height. “This conversation is not over, you still haven't told me who you are.”

“If by 'who' I guess you mean my miün,” it wasn't a question. He lifted his right hand, flick his thumb while catching me off guard. I felt a force rip the bag out from my grip. He caught it then continued. “If I tell you now, it'll be no fun watching you trying to find that one out, So I leave it as that, though I wonder why you asked when you clearly don't have yours.”

“How did you...”

“Shsssh!” he put a finger on his lips to silence me “The janitor's coming and you ask too much questions.” He slung his bag over his shoulder the walked towards the door.

“I only asked two to be exact.”

When he reached it, he laid his hand on the handle then said “Some questions are best left unanswered. You seem to like asking questions.”

“You seem to avoid answering them.” I asked.

He turned to face me smiling sadly. “Touche, you have no idea.” With that, he left.

What was that all about?

Frowning, I sat on a nearby chair. Other wizards? Mystical Realm? Boy that kid's smart, I'll give him that. He didn't answer a single question I asked.

“You done Sonny?” I leapt from the sit my back stiff and alert. I turn to see the janitor. What, is this scare Matthew day?

“Ah yeah!” I dug into my pocket to hand him the keys then I picked up my bag. I looked around before heading for the door.

I didn't know it was so dark outside. I switched on what the normals call a cellphone and went to the flashlight app. There much better, even better that the night glower spell. Okay I'm a really poor spell binder, every spell I cast goes wonky or doesn't work at all.

Uncle Sy doesn't seem phased by it. Sometimes I get jealous of Alices, she's a fast learner. I just hope I'll be able to find out why though.

Clearly you don't have yours!

My miün, it's true I haven't found mine yet so as Alice. Maybe we are just ordinary spell binders. Oh don't let that negativity in your head, you'll find it one day, somehow, I thought to myself.

My house is only a few blocks away from the school. Walking home was no problem at all, I adjusted my backpack. I should have worn my hoodie, I shivered.

I kept walking, the faster I move the closer I get to the fridge. I took the corner to my left and bumped into someone. Loosing my balance, I handed on my butt and heard the contents from my backpack spill out.

“I'm so sorry, I didn't see...” I looked up to apologize to the other party, but there was no one there. That's strange, I looked around, I swear I hit someone. They whole place was empty, see Matthew, this is what happens when you don't eat enough. You start bumping into walls claiming them to be a person.

That doesn't explain the contents in my bag that are currently one the floor, now does it. I gathered my thing, stuffing them back into my bag. I reached out for my phone, then felt a paper on top of it. Using my flashlight, I tried to trace out the rest of my things only to find a book.

A big black book with something shaped like an hourglass illustrated on it. No, not illustrated. I looked closer, the hourglass was attached to the book. Golden sand was slowly falling into the part below. The top had less sand though. I looked at the heading and noticed that it was in symbols. Words that seemed familiar yet I didn't understand it.

Slowly I picked up the book, flipped it around to examine it. Every word was in symbols. I wanted to open it, I hesitated, maybe I should show uncle Sy first. Oh come on Matt, it's just a book, we've got weirder books back home.

I closed my eyes then opened it. When I felt nothing eerie happening, I opened my right eye to be sure, then my left. I looked at the first page of the book and found an envelope facing backwards.

I flipped it to the other side and was shucked.

To Matthew Byron.

The letter was addressed to me. Who still uses post mails? Why would one be addressed to me? I checked around the letter to determine who it came from. It didn't indicate, maybe who it was from was written inside.

You've already open the book, what stops you from the letter? I slipped the book in my bag. The letter still in my hand, could it be from one of the universities I applied to? Carefully, I lifted the flap then read.

Cell 899,

The Colnatië of

Cantatrix the lost

Kingdom of Tratar

7th Moon.

Dear Matthew,

Can't explain much, no time. All letters here are being monitored, checked and double checked.

I'm in a difficult spot. I was found in a wrong place at a wrong time. Someone's after me, someone's framed me.

The book, don't read it. Don't open the pages. You mustn't take even a peak. You're not ready for that responsibility yet. Keep it safe. No one must know about it.

When the time is right you'll know. It's for Alice, she mustn't be given yet. He's after her, he wants revenge and he's after her and the only way he can get to her is through you.

Matthew you'll be experiencing changes in you, be careful. Keep your eyes and ears open, your other half, we don't know if he can be trusted. We don't have much time. He'll be back, he wants revenge.

I promise to find another way to contact you.

Until that time son,

Felix Bryon.

PS: Wait for the glow.

***

Copyright 2018© Soffiyah Orewole.

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