Silver Night

Chapter 2.5: Old Routine, New Situation. [EC]

What's all the fuss? Oh... (Ozario's POV)

Supplies, check. Bag, check. Keys, check. f**k'in life, check. Dignity, do not check. You'll be very disappointed. Renesmee, check. Enriqué, check. Time, forget that. School is about to start. I freak'in hate school, being surrounded by a bunch of dumbasses that don't know the meaning of personal space and some damn peace and quiet. Not to mention recently the journalist here had done a newsletter announcing an arrival of a new student. Another bother. Well, they better be cute and willing to deal with this place. Have some sense maybe? Please?

"Ozzi, what's wrong. Why are you staring off into space," Renesmee called to me after talking to a few classmates, who decided to leave.

Other kids rushed inside before the bell's call. All three of us were in front of the school. Renesmee stood at the top of the stairs, by the doors, looking down at me. Henry stood on the steps with me, daydreaming. I sit on the top step, opened book in my hands. I glanced up at her and then toward the parking lot.

Sighing, I answered, "Soaking up the dull weather. It's gonna drizzle soon. I smell it."

A new car drove into the parking lot. Cute. It was white, a Honda Fit. The person looked like she was created for that style. Whoever had that in high school was lucky. A lot of teens may not have parents who would be willing to give them a good car like that. Still a sucky engine... Then again, I'm just speedy.

"Then, we best get inside, brother. Renesmee, you be careful in science. They're dissecting today. I hear him with the other teachers." 

"All of us can hear things from a 10 mile radiance. Thanks for informing though."

Henry scoff, his head was lain back. "Whatevs."

Renesmee nodded. "I'll try. I wish Alice was here. She could tell me if I screw up today."

"You will be okay. We believe in you," I encourage. Who is in that car? Oh, she's getting out. Clack! Black hair, grey shirt, beige converse. She closed the door, putting her backpack on and then tried to walk off. She was yanked back. Quickly, she looked back, noticing her bag stuck in the door. Slowly, I smiled. She tried to excessively yank it out of the door many times. I shook my head. "Hehehe! Who is that?"

"Hm?" Henry looked at me and then what I was focused on. "I swear you've got greater eye than the rest of us."

"She's not even beyond ten miles, Riri. Maybe Carlisle should check you," I jabbed.

My brother smiled.

Renesmee stared at the girl too. Concerned, she asked, "Should we help?"

I watched the girl bang her head on the car roof. She then stepped back, grabbed her car key, and unlocked the door. "Nah, she got it already. Finally," I uttered. Dios mío, I wanted to laugh so hard. Embarrassed, She looked around her and then up at the building, sighing in relief. "Yeah, we saw that," I tittered.

The girl lowered her head and closed the door again. That time she made sure her bag wasn't going to get caught again. She began to walk towards the school. Dark jeans. The transfer, I'm sure. I can't see her face; her head is down. Why am I being nosy? I stood onto my feet and walked to the door. I held it open for Renesmee to enter. Enriqué came in as well, and I let the door close behind me. Maybe, I should have left it open for her. She's the only one out there now. Although, she was pretty far still. I would've stood there for a long time if I hadn't left. She'll be fine.

At Henry's locker, I lean next to it, facing towards the office. Henry is getting books out behind me. Renesmee and him were talking about some clown who keeps messing with Ness. She doesn't know what to do about the girl in her second class. The sunlight is glowing the hallway. Good thing I'm standing in the shadow over here. Remarkably, it was as if an angel walked out the brightness. Poised, straight posture. I lifted my head. She strutted with no sound. It was as if watching a star after an explosion on films. Slow motion, a perfect silhouette. All the other people around her looked like fast walking hunched-back heathens. The girl entered the light where I could see her in full, colorful view. I pushed myself off the locker. Her? I gradually grinned. Wow. What a walk. Most people slouch. Isn't she the one who fought with her car over her bag. I chuckled. 

The girl tucked her hair behind her ear and then took out the light blue earphones. Oh, Dios mío. My smile faded and my eyebrows lifted. She's short. Nice figure, average but curvy. Her cheeks are a bit meaty. She has acne scars but they aren't bad. She's cute. Why am I being nosy? Her eyeliner looks nice. No painted nails. Her lips are kind of thick, looks like pillows. She's looking at her phone. Her eyelashes are very curly. They shadow the outer edge of her eyes. Even the mannerisms are fluid as her fingers graceful move on her phone. She owns the ocean. She curled her lips and then looked up at the office, curious. Her eyes are big and separated. They're light too. Why the hell am I being nosy? She put her phone in her pocket, and correctly wrapped up her earphones around her right hand. She tied it with a fuzzy craft string and pocketed it. What the hell am I being so nosy? My smile returns. She's awesome. 

My eyes quickly shifted toward my siblings. Henry had been staring at me for a while, so has Renesmee. I hadn't noticed until now. Weird. Usually, I'd notice sooner. I looked back at the new girl. She had already walked into the office and leaned over the counter for a chat. I blinked a few times, then looked down. 

"Ozzi, are you blushing? Were you in a daze? Why are your cheeks pinker than usual," poked Henry?

I glanced behind me. "What? No, it's not." My hand wiped my face. It stopped over my nose. I stared at the office again, waiting. Why?

Henry swayed. "What are you staring at, buuuddy?"

Moving my hand, I brushed him off, "It's nothing"

"Ooh, I think I see," Renesmee tease. "It's totally everything. She's totally your everything. I see you are living for her right now. Look at how bright you are. Your eyes are glowing."

I scoffed. "Living is for the humans."

Henry rolled his eyes; his feet staggered. "Bruh, just go talk to her." He then tried to push me. I remembered this was how I got my first living girlfriend.

I tensed up and chickened, "I don't know what you're talking about. The way my life is set up... I-I-stop it."

"You've been single for years, man. Try again. Just one last time," he pleaded.

I narrowed my right eye. "She's a teenager."

Renesmee crossed her arms, brows lifted. "And, your blushing."

Scoffing again, I lay my hand on my chest. "I'm not a f*****g pedo, Ness." 

Her eyes drooped. She stared at me, I stared at her. She looked down, then up at me. "Well, I'm going to talk to her."

I gasped. "What?" Whoa. My voice cracked.

She looked back while walking forward. She hollered, "Don't hate if she chooses me!"

"Hey!" I frowned. s**t.

Henry shrugged. "You should've gone."

My shoulders slumped. "Aw."

Biting my nails, Not a moment after waiting on both of them to exit the office, I spot them coming. My brows are sad. Aw... No. I could hear them talking. Her voice is gorgeous. It's soothing, light, soft. It makes one smile but I couldn't. She was hypnotizing me. Well, that and I was pissed Renesmee got her. They passed by and for a split moment I noticed Renesmee sticking up her middle finger at me while winking. Dammit.

Henry, leaning on his locker, instigated, "Oooo, burn."

I point at him and then walk ahead, finger still on him. "Shut the f**k up."

Henry laughed at me, following afterwards. For two classes I suffered through, I couldn't help thinking of the new girl. All she did was get her bag stuck and walk down a hallway so why has she been locked into my head for two and a half hours? Why am I so flustered? I checked the clock, listening to it tick. The teacher lectured about things I had already known, even got college degrees for. To be honest, it's all just useless geographic garbage if you're never going to work as an archaeologist. I topped high score in college for nothing I'll even do with my time. I had forever. The teachers pen nearly fell, I zipped through to save it and went back to my sit.

"Whoa. I think I just a chill," said a classmate beside me.

Nah, it was just me. Focus on the board. You're failing class. That girl... did she get to class alright? Does she get high or low scores in class? Is she a genius or is she an i***t? Curious and curious and curi- RIIING! FINALLY! I sped walked out of the room just enough to look like a the average Joe. Thank goodness! I'm free! ¡No sé lo que soy hacen con mi vida! 

I entered the cafeteria. People were chasing each other and shouting. Of course. This was exactly what I complained about. Many people walking around. A crazy few stood on the chairs. A couple of people were horseplay. I hoped to the heavens no one got into a fight that day, otherwise kids would surround an entire corner of the wall, shouting world star or something. Security would try to break everyone up and... Ugh. Basically, avoidable bullshit gone haywire. A guy accidentally bumped into me after running from this girl, he insultingly smacked on her butt. I glared at him.

"Aw, man. I'm sorry. My bad." He backed up, hands surrendering. The girl chasing him bumped into him.

I brushed off my shoulder. "It's cool. Accidents happen."

"Dang." He patted my pecs. I look down at my chest in confusion. Um, don't touch me. "You're practically a wall, bruh. You didn't even flinch," he chortled.

Of course, I didn't. A human can't move me. I'm stronger than them, but he doesn't know that. I shrugged. "I lift." Well, I didn't lie. Trees are some freaking great weights. Cars too.

"You set goals."

Smirking, I thought, I know I do. The girl who chased him, bit her bottom lip at me. My right eyebrow rose. In your dreams, honey. You're too young for me. "Later. Be careful."

"Later," she flirted and grazed my arm with her hand.

I hadn't thought much about it as I walked away. Many people, especially girls tend to do touch the muscles or veins on my arms. Not every girl does that though, just the ones who don't mind showcasing their sensuality. I appreciate it but I'm not into fast women or people younger than I am. I've been seduced and laid far too many time before as well, so I have no shame or insecurities, but I also don't choose just anybody. Shame is bullshit, morals is still necessary for safety and sanity. A shame I lack sanity. I wonder if she's sane. Would she touch my arm? She doesn't seem like that type of person actually. Quite distant, honestly. What the hell is wrong with me? 

I looked around for Henry and Renesmee. They were at the table we sit at everyday. I had gone to grab a meal and sit with them. My legs nearly wobbled, I was nervous passing by the new girl. She hadn't noticed me. I was two tables walking by so of course she wouldn't. What is wrong with me!? I sighed before Henry and Renesmee.

Henry furrowed his eyebrows. "Why do you look so disoriented? The people here aren't all that bad."

My eyes drooped and I pressed my lips together. "Yes, they are."

Renesmee leaned back. "Ozario, you always have something to say."

"No, I don't." I sat down and lifted my arms, praising, "I pretend like I do to fill the world with upmost joy and purity!"

All of us burst into laughter.

"Sure, purity," Renesmee heckled.

I chortled, "Hey, at least I bring joy, dang it."

Henry wiped his eyes. "That he does, a tear to my eyes."

I waved my hand, gesture towards him. My eyes at her. "See?"

Henry stopped laughing. He looked away from the table and then straightened his back a little. "So, how was she," he asked, staring at Renesmee and nudging his head towards the outside of the table.

"If we are still talking about purity, she definitely has that," Ness opined.

I picked up my spork, about to eat. "What do you mean? Who? The chick who won't stop bothering you? I could mess with her back. Get Jacob on it. Try out some pranks."

"No. Catalina. The new girl." Renesmee then looked at me.

I dropped my spork. My eyebrows lifted. Oh.

"Oh, look who is interested." Henry leaned back and laughed at me again.

"I'm not." From the corner of my eye, I peek at Catalina at the geekiest table in the room. I peep up at my brother then to the plate before me.

"Sure. We'll go with that." Henry winked.

Renesmee giggled. "Right. Anyway, she's sweet and has a nice voice. I could sleep to it. She's filled with curiosity and really funny in a nerdy sense."

I'm very focus on Ness. "Mm. Nerdy how?"

She shrugged. "She's... corny. Like, she would be the friend that has a lot of stupid dad jokes if she talked more."

"She doesn't talk that much?"

She shook her head and smiled. She sat up straighter only to slouch. "No, but when she speaks, she a really good person. It's like she's a cool form of Alice. Alice is girl-next-door while Cati is the leather jacket, but they are cheerful and the same friendly person."

I cover my forehead. "Oh, Dios mío... really?"

"I mean, she's... quirky, awkward, secretive, I can't put my finger on it but she feels like Alice. That's great. Something about the two match." Ness stares at Catalina. Her smile fades.

I watch with attentive eyes. "Secretive doesn't match quirky and awkward, Ness."

Renesmee pause. Blinking was how I knew she was still with us. Ness informed us, "She's good but distant. There is something off about her. It just reminds me of Alice... when she is in public with other people I mean? So friendly but 'don't get too close' kind of thing. She's... she's paranoid. It's not because she's new. It's like our secrecy, deep as hell."

Henry and I look at Catalina... She's not completely sane then. The people at the table she's at called for some guy named, Micheal Cider. I watch her amongst the crowd. She was smiling, laughing. Wow. She has such a nice grin. Her cheekbones are high too. What the hell is f*****g wrong with me!!? The gang sat down. Catalina finally noticed Henry, Renesmee and I were staring at her. She smiled at us.

"Hi! Renesmee," she shouted!

Renesmee perked up and waved at her. She turned to me. "See? If you had gone to her. She would have greeted you." She looked at Henry. "Isn't that right. Hahaha!"

"Shut the freak up," I chuckled and then looked at Catalina again.

Catalina was looking at her and then my brother. I hope I'm invisible. Keep ignoring me please. I would hate it if she turned back around to her friends but, please, let me admire from afar. She seemed stunned, analyzing him. She's smiling, mouth closed. What is she doing? Admiring? It was a quick check on my brother but then her eyes were moving toward me. Slowly. I held my breath. Our eyes locked. 

I remembered what Jacob told me, something about locking eyes with the one. That one special person. Her eyes saw through my soul. I thought I didn't have one. I was a live. I was floating. The world and all the people were gone. I saw things. I'm not Alice... but I swore I could predict what was in store for me. I forgot everything. Detached but then connected to something. Something else. I saw something, some sort of gold string come from Catalina and then myself. When they connected, I felt like I touch her and she me. Suddenly, I fell. I fell back to earth. What the hell was that? I blinked, eyebrows furrowing. Trying to comprehend. Catalina blinked. I closed my eyes, they felt weird. I waved to be polite, knowing she was still looking. When I opened my eyes Henry just knew something was up. His eyes were wide and he showed a stupidly excited grin.

I jerked back, disgusted. "What?"

"Dude... did you just?"

I shook my head. Hell no.

Renesmee touched my shoulder. "Ozario? Are you okay?"

I looked at her. "Yes, why?"

"You were out for a solid minute or so."

Henry peeped at Catalina and then me. "Dude, we called you and you were frozen."

"Both of them were frozen," Ness corrected. "Did you see that? I've never seen someone have a moment like that before. I thought that was only in films."

I gently took Renesmee hand off me and then played with the food I had. "It's nothing, guys. I just." I checked on Catalina, sighing, "I was lifted." Quickly, I looked at my food.

Henry tilted his head. "What does that mean?"

"I don't know. I just... felt like I was floating." I bit my bottom lip, thinking of what I saw. "A few years from now, I'm going to stand in front of a house on a beach with three kids. I can't have kids."

Henry blinked at Renesmee, then me. He shrugged, leaned forward. "You could."

"I can't. After what happened with our mother, I couldn't risk that with anyone else."

Henry tapped my hand. "That wasn't your fault, Ozzi. You've been blaming yourself forever."

I glance up at him from the strands of my hair. "I could never see otherwise."

"You were planned," he reassured me.

"So, it's their fault," I argued, knowing "yes" was the answer but still couldn't believe it? "Just because it's something I want, that's exactly why my vision can never happen. I was planned. What if whoever I end up with agree with me? What would happen to her because it was planned?" I leaned farther over my food. "I don't know why I thought of that. It just happened."

"Stop slouching. Where did that talk come from anyway, the three kids thing." Henry leaned back and crossed his arms.

I did as told, shaking my head. "I felt lifted, floating. I saw myself with... my angel. I had three kids and a house on a beach. One of the kids had wings too."

Henry faced Catalina.

"Angel," asked Renesmee?

Henry shared with her something I told him long ago, "For years, when we were kids, Ozario would have weird visions of an angel with huge wings."

"She never had a face but always smiled at me," I chimed in. "That's all I could see from her. She had a face this time, Henry. It was hers." I looked at Catalina, knowing she peeked at me again. Quickly, she turned around. "Am I wishful thinking or hallucinating? I was here and then no where but with her the next. The strange future ahead of me was with this angel that looked like her. I swear it's the exact smile. Same teeth and lip shape and cheeks. She finally has eyes. My soul told me not to look away, to implant them. I saw a gold string come out of me and Catalina. The strings connected, and it was like we touched. Then I fell back down to earth, literally." I looked at the food again. Then, buried my face in my hands. "I'm still insane. I think my madness may be trying to come out again."

Henry laughed. He pried my hands from my face. "Actually, mi hermano, my sweet little brother, I think she may be the reason you can become sane. I think what Jacob told you about Renesmee and him just happened to you."

My eyes widen. Stern tone, "No."

Henry smiled wider. "Yeah! That's good!"

"She's a f*****g child!"

Henry scoffed. He shook his head and calmly stated, "Ozario, this doesn't have to lead that way."

"It doesn't matter! What if I want a girlfriend or something? I would never be able to be fully commit by the sound of... that! ¡ah, Dios no!" Quickly, I stand, leaning over the table. I tried to look normal, like nothing was wrong with but I'm freaking out. Did I really just...? I don't even know how old she is. Is that why I couldn't stop thinking about her and admiring her from afar? Gross!

"Ozzi, relax," Renesmee consoled me. "Our ages at this point doesn't matter. You did your part to society: the wars, the marches, the activist stuff, researches... You could be happy and simply have something for yourself for once. That normal life you keep wishing for. You always put the world first."

"Well, yeah! I love the world and its people, but..." I vigorously shook my head. "No! Hell no!"

"Ozzi, Renesmee is eight," Henry scolded me about my language.

I flung my arms in the air. "So, now f*****g ages matter? She flicked me off earlier!"

"See how pointless that is to say then," Henry shouted! I see now he was trying to make a point. "We are what we are! Look at Ness!" He whispered, "She looks like a teenager but she is eight years old. She has intellect like a teenager, but she's eight. She's a hybrid, Ozzi. She's like us!"

"So what."

"So what? Our age can't be calculated. We were born this way. We are forced to grow up sooner than we want, which means that we also can take our would be teenage-hood back! That gives us the ability to have a chance to go back in time and live a little. No one else can do that like us. I mean, you had taken up so much responsibility... Don't even dare say what I know you will. You do deserve this if this is going to make you happy." Henry breathed out. "Look. Ness is right. It's time to try something new and be curious. Some of these people are 18 in high school. Legally, they're adults in high school! You have options here and fate just helped you find something you might be needing right now," He tried to reason. "And, Rose did say you need to get that mind of yours off Astrid."

"And," I fussed?

Henry smiled and shrugged. "What if she is 18?"

"She is a senior." Renesmee tried to calm me by caressing my arm. "She's suppose to graduate next year with us."

Blinking, I looked at Catalina and sat down.

Henry leaned toward me and whispered as a person passed by us. "That's not bad. You're lucky. Jacob ended up like that while Ness was still an infant. You caught her here. So... Wait until you know her age."

I shook my head, staring at Catalina. "This is fucked."

Minutes passed. My brother and sister left. Catalina's friends left. It's just us. She's looking at the papers in her hands. Enriqué says I... that Im- imp... Pah! What a joke! Look at her. Why am I even staring at her? Oh, she can provide a normal life. She's exactly what you need. she might keep you SANE! WELL, LOOK AT ME! DO I LOOK SANE! I'M GOING INSANE! I glower at her; one eye narrowed, the other wide. I'm pissed my genes are saying a bunch of nonsense. You don't love her. You don't even f*****g know her! Shut up!

Let's just go to class. For freak sake, I've been thinking about her for hours. I stood on my feet and breathed in for a sigh but, Whoa! What's that sweet smell? I'm hypnotized again. Still. I couldn't move. The scent relieved my a million thoughts. Oh, god, I hadn't heard my mind this silent for a long, long time. It's nice for once. Closing my eyes, I gently hugged my throat with my hands, feeling it dry and ache from the amazing aroma. My stomach twisted but I was fine with that agony holding me in place to prevent me from attacking who it could have been that smelled so sweet. My tongue burned but it was a pleasure to feel it for it's been a long time, such a long time, since I felt any pain. It's been a long time since I felt like this. I kind of like it. It feels like i'm finally present. I'm here. What is it? The scent. Sweet wine? Sweet candle? Sweet chocolate? Oh, how the scent made me drool and the venom foam in my mouth. It's too much. I mean, what would the blood taste like if I nibbled from a small cut, just one. I'd puncture a tiny whole into the skin. My muscles tensed just enough to make me want to fight against my urge. I'd love to fight it. I opened my eyes, frowning, and then covered my mouth. s**t. What's wrong with me?! The cooks already left, which means whoever it is, is a child! Oh, damn it! I cannot endanger whoever it is but I got to know whose smell is making me so hot!

Please, where is it coming from? I look around but it's... it really is only... Catalina. Well, s**t. That's even worse. My shoulders slumped. I narrowed my eye again, this time curiously. She looks like she is struggling. Gawking, I'm trying to figure out why she's twisting those papers. They clearly show her where she needs to go. Can she not read? Suddenly, I realize how stupidly I was staring at her. My mouth was opened and drooling, one brow raised. I frowned again and wiped my shirt on my mouth. Maybe I should help her. 

I walked toward her and towered over her, or at least that's what the shadow looked like. It was her scent. I breathed in gently so as to not seem too creepy. What a gorgeous smell she has. Beautiful. I'm in love with it. No! I hate it! Focus! What is she doing? Looking at the map? Aw, how cute. The new girl is searching for her classes then. Hm. I look at the top of her head.

"Do you need any help, miss," I offered.

Catalina faced me, a tiny noise exited her breath.

Oh, Dios mío. Whoa. I cannot move again, a deer trapped in headlights. I'm moved. Her eyes were golden, but not like a blood-sucker, they were natural. Her eyes faded into cognac once she turned away from the sunlight, which quickly snatched me out of the hypnosis. She's gotta stop doing that to me. I never seen something so magical. There was that strange feeling again too like the solar system rotated by our command. Weird.

"Um, I'm good... Well. Maybe... Yea, yes. I do, actually," she answered. 

Why was that so hard to say? Heh. She's cute. Her voice soft and pitch could be fantastic for singing lullabies and ballads too. I couldn't stop myself from smiling. I can't believe I'm talking to her either. This is surreal. Why though? Right... help. Okay, okay. Focus. I looked at her paper. It's upside-down but I can still read it. Damn... All this time avoiding her was for nothing. From the corner of my eyes, I look at her. I'm stuck with her. Could fate really be telling me I'm meant to stay with her?

"You have class with me. Well..." What if she ends up being the classmate I don't hang with? "We must be going... Shall we?"

Catalina smiled a gentle smile at me. "Yes. We should be." 

My nervousness faded away. I was calm, happy and felt warmly welcomed. I let out my hand to her. She agreed to take it and I led her out. Whoa! She is short in comparison. She must be 5'2" or 5'3"? I was 5'10" so I wasn't too much taller but it was nice to know. I must be a gentleman to her. It was already creepy enough I... no, deny it. It was also creepy I just sniffed her too. Good thing I helped her when I did. I may hate school but I love being early anywhere. Thank goodness we did share the same class but damn it, why the same one?

I looked down at her. She looked up at me. I felt calm. It's strange. Usually, when meeting someone new, I'd get nervous that maybe I should speak. With her, I don't feel that. It's like she agrees it's okay for us to be silent as long as we can be together. I smile at her. She smiled at me. We did this a few times before reaching class. 

I opened the door for her, she walked in but stopped. She's confused again. Right, a seat. I walk toward the stool I usually sit on. It's usually secluded. I walked slow to check free seats. Each seat purposely had a partnered stool for people to collab and work alone. Let's see. I sat down. Look left dumbass. I breathed in and looked down beside me. I smiled, pissed. Then waved Catalina over. She beamed and came to sit down. At least, knowing she will sit by me reduced my worries... I'm... relieved.