Chapter 7 Happy Birthday Jade Black

Today is the day. The day I officially become an adult. Eighteen. The big one eight. I don't know why people have the mindset that once you turn eighteen you pack up and move out of your parents' house. They expect you to start doing adult things like get a job, pay rent, pay taxes and such. I didn't plan on getting a job until I was in my second year in college and my dad will definitely not let me move out until I was moving out to go to college. When I was seven years old, I wished to be a kid forever and not grow up and do adult things.

But wishes don't come true now, do they? I didn't know what to expect today.

What Alex told me yesterday haunted me all night. I had dreams of the girl in the forest again. This time she gave me the same warnings Alex gave me. "Be careful". Careful about what? What will happen today?.

I rolled out of bed and checked my phone. Five missed calls and two messages from Chloe. I read the first message.

'Hey Birthday girl. You are crazy, fun and fabulous friend. I'm grateful for our friendship and the wonderful and not so wonderful times we shared together. I know some weird and awkward things has been happening between us but that doesn't mean I don't love you still. I hope you have a great day today'.

My heart squeezed and tears threatened to fall. I opened the second message, it was a voice message.

"Hey Jade. I'm really sorry for not calling or texting since. I'm just overwhelmed with was has been going on with you lately. I really don't know what is happening but just know that I'm here for you if you need anything. You are like a sister to me and I love you very much. Happy birthday".

Ok tears falling now. Just like that all my worries about Chloe been scared of me and anticipation about what will happen vanished. Chloe always made me feel wanted and loved and we always have each other's backs no matter what. I won't let her down. I will find answers today and finally put an end to all this. With mind made up I got up and prepared myself for school.

As I made my way downstairs, the wonderful smell of French toast and eggs greeted me. Hmmm grandma's up.

"There's the birthday girl", my dad said as I entered the kitchen.

Grandma gave me hug, "My baby girl is all grown up. Happy birthday love"

I beamed with happiness, "Thank you. Is that toast I smell?"

"Yes, a special breakfast for a special girl", grandma said as she dished some French toast and scrambled eggs for me.

Dad leaned back on his chair, "So how about we throw a little party tonight, just the three of us"

I gave him a look. He rolled his eyes and added, "And Chloe". I smiled.

"That sounds great but Chloe and I already had plans to go see a movie"

"Well we can celebrate here after school then you guys can go to the movies"

I shrugged, "Sounds good. Grandma the eggs are amazing"

"Of course they are. Anything for you sweetie", she said smiling.

I looked down at my plate suddenly lost in thoughts. What awaits me in James Bayers high today? "I just wish I didn't have to go to school today"

I didn't know I said that out loud until dad asked, "Why do you say that?"

I looked up at him, "Oh nothing. Just thinking about what happened at school some days ago"

Dad leaned forward, "Do you mean what happened to Tom Fraser?"

I stopped breathing. He knew. I gulped. Why didn't he say anything all these while? What is he going to do? Will he punish me?

As if he read my mind he said, "Yes I know about all that. Your principal told me. But I will like to hear it from you"

I breathed. "But why didn't you say anything?"

He shrugged, "I know you've been stressed lately so I didn't want to worry you with it. Tom is fine by the way. He's regained consciousness and will be back to school in no time"

I was relieved. Tom is fine. My subconscious did a back flip. I didn't kill him. But what will he say happened? Will he blame me like the others?

"So tell me what really happened", Dad's voice drew me out of my thoughts.

"We were in the gym when I got hit by a basketball. Tom asked me to throw it back and I did. I really don't know what happened. Next thing was that he flew backwards and hit his head. That's all I promise"

Dad was silently studying me. Then his mood changed. It was as if something from the past brought him to his senses. He suddenly became agitated, concerned, I couldn't place my finger on it.

"You have to be careful at school today. Don't do anything that will get you excited or angry. What happened to Tom was an accident. Next time it won't be"

With that he continued his breakfast not uttering another word. I looked at Grandma who quickly looked down avoiding eye contact. They were clearly hiding something. I won't find answers here. Dad was the third person (well second real person) who has warned me of today. The more I thought about it the more afraid I was. But I couldn't be afraid forever. With my appetite gone, I got my bag and left.

**********************************************************

My heart pounded as I stepped through the doorway of the school. I expected everyone to focus their attention at me after my, oh so dramatic exit yesterday. Fortunately, no one paid me any heed. I quickly made my way to my locker.

I saw Chloe standing in front of our lockers and I walked up to her. I turned her around and hugged her. She seemed surprised but she got over it quickly and hugged me back.

"Oh Jade I'm so sorry for the way I've been acting. I'm just so scared for you"

I patted her back "Shhh. It's ok I'm not mad or anything. I'm scared too"

We pulled away from each other. She had tears in her eyes but quickly wiped it away and gave me a weak smile. I smiled back.

"Boy you really are a poet. With those words that touches the heart, you could have convinced Hitler to surrender"

She laughed, "Well I strive to be the best"

I opened my locker to retrieve some books. Something fell to the floor. I bent to pick it up moving towards better lighting to see it clearly. It was an envelope with my name written on it.

Chloe drew closer to me "What is it?"

"I have no idea"

I opened it and brought out a letter and started to read through.

'So you turn eighteen today. After all these years adulthood finally decided to knock on your door. Start acting like one. You think you have it rough now, well think again. Worse things are coming your way if you stick with the scarlet witch. I'm guessing you know who I mean. Ditch the nerd and maybe I will consider having mercy on you.

Wish you a not so happy birthday'

I continued to stare at the note, my blood boiling. I know the anonymous person meant Chloe and that made me even angrier. I had a pretty good guess as to who wrote the note.

"Well, who sent it and what does it say?" Chloe asked.

I quickly tore the note and trashed it.

"Nothing. Just a stupid prank"

She narrowed her eyes at me.

"Let's get to class", I said and walked ahead of her.

The hours flew by quickly and I was glad for it. I just wanted this day to over. Surprisingly Alex was nowhere to be found. I didn't sense him all day. I wonder where he was. Was he avoiding me after the dire warning he gave?

I tried as much as possible to avoid Mirabel and her crew but it was a hard thing to do especially when she keeps throwing dirty looks my way.

I thought everything was going well until Mrs. Copperfield's English class.

We were learning about passive and active nouns when a sudden wave of dizziness hit me. I almost hit my head on my desk but quickly caught myself with my hands. I closed my eyes breathing heavily trying to bring myself together. The dizziness disappeared after a minute or two. I opened my eyes and looked up. Something moved my eyes towards the window. I gasped.

There she was. The girl from my dream standing outside cladded in white. My eyes widened at how much more she looked like me. She was slightly swaying her mouth moving but I couldn't hear what she was saying. Just like that she disappeared. I blinked several times trying to make sense of what just happened. I looked round the classroom but everyone was paying attention to Mrs. Copperfield oblivious to what was happening.

I tried to concentrate through the rest of the class but couldn't. I couldn't focus on the other classes either. I kept having headaches and dizziness and I kept seeing her everywhere. I moved around like a zombie, nodding to everything Chloe said without actually hearing her. Sometime in the last class of the day, I broke into a sweat. My vision blurred and all I saw was red. My hands were so clammy, I couldn't hold on to my pen. What is happening again? Was this part of the impending doom I was warned about? I just want it to stop. God please let it stop.

I was so deep in my thoughts that it took the closing bell to bring me back to reality. I blinked back into focus quickly gathered my things and ran out.

Chloe ran up to me as I made my way out of the school.

"Hey what's going on with you? You've been acting strange since you got that letter"

I stopped and looked at her, "I'm fine. I'm just tired that's all"

She studied me closely, "Yea you don't look so good. You have circles under your eyes. Have you been sleeping alright?"

I shook my head, "Not really. I have had so much on my mind lately. But I'll be fine"

She shrugged, "If you say so. So we still on for tonight right?"

"Sure but my Dad says you should come over for a little party before we head out"

"Oh yea. That's cool"

We continued walking. When we reached the parking lot, I saw Mirabel surrounded by her crew and a couple of jocks. When she noticed us, she smiled evilly. She whispered something to her crew and they turned towards us and burst into laughter.

"Uh-oh trouble is brewing" Chloe said.

"Just ignore and walk on"

I wish I had followed my own advice.

Mirabel had positioned herself and her crew and a couple of Tom's friends in such a way that we had to practically go through them to leave the school compound.

Ok let's get this over with. I took a deep breath and marched forward with Chloe right behind me.

Mirabel stood in my path with arms folded and a smirk that said 'try me I dare you' I stopped in front of her.

"Out of my way Mirabel, I don't have time for this"

She feigned a hurt expression, "Why, I'm just trying to be a nice person and wish you well. It is your birthday after all"

I rolled my eyes, "Since when do you wish people well? You are a tyrant and everyone knows it"

Her expression changed, "You better watch your mouth Black"

I noticed that her crew surrounded us closely clearly leaving no space for escape. Chloe noticed too and drew closer to me.

"You think you're better than everyone just because your dad makes video games?" she continued. "Well let me tell you something. It doesn't matter. Video games are obsolete. Or do you think you're prettier, or smarter because you hang out with the nerdy witch?"

I let her rant on about me. I didn't care. But when she involved Chloe it's a totally different ball game.

"Who are you calling a witch? The only witch I see around here is you. I mean why not. You act the part perfectly and you certainly look like one"

Her eyes blazed fire. "Don't think I haven't forgotten what you did to Tom. None of us have"

There was murmurs of agreement from the crowd.

"So how did you do it? Steroids? Implant? I mean with a dad like yours who knows what shitty experiments he does on you?"

Laughter from the crowd. Oh please.

"That's really great Mirabel. I'm so happy for you. I didn't know you were into standup comedy"

She looked so irritated that she couldn't anger me and I know that's what she's trying to do.

When she saw she couldn't reach to me, she turned her evil eye towards Chloe.

"Why you hiding behind your master like a dog nerd? Come out and play"

I pushed Chloe behind me, "Leave her out of this"

"I wasn't talking to you Black. Step out of my way so I can see the witch"

Her posse stepped beside her. I stood my ground.

"Make me she devil"

Everyone gasped. Mirabel's eyes turned red with anger. She pushed me so hard I fell. She stood over me eyes blazing.

"You think you're so special? You're nothing. I'll show you that you're less than nothing"

She was about to throw a punch when Chloe came up behind her and tried to pull her away from me.

"Let her be Mirabel or I'll tell the principal"

Mirabel turned towards her, "Oh really? Go on tell" she poked Chloe in chest hard. "Go tell the principal nerd", she continued poking Chloe while the others laughed.

I could see it hurt Chloe who was trying not to cry. Something in me sparked. This has gone on for far too long. She needs to be taught a lesson. I slowly got to my feet.

I felt so much rage and anger towards her. Why can't she just leave us alone? Why does she have to torment me so much?

She stopped what she was doing when she noticed me standing and faced me. Hate her so much.

Chloe maneuvered her way towards me.

Mirabel was about to continue the taunt but stopped when she saw the look on my face. Whatever she saw must have scared her because she took a step back.

I grinded my teeth as my vision blurred. Something was happening to me. It was so intense and painful but it also felt right like it was supposed to happen. The pain intensified in my abdomen. I doubled over and dropped to my knees. I was partially blind and deaf. All I heard was buzzing. All I saw was red.

"Jade. What's wrong? Are you ok?" I heard Chloe's voice somewhere far away. I felt her hand on my shoulder. She hissed in pain and withdrew it. "You're burning up"

I was hot. So hot I felt and heard the sound of my blood boiling, my eyes on fire. I smelt smoke.

"What the hell?!"

"She's a freak!"

"Someone call 911. Get an extinguisher!"

Kids screamed and ran about.

I felt myself move. My eyes became clear. Suddenly I was in the forest. How did I get here? Before I could think, I was standing in front of my house. Then I was back at the parking lot.

What is happening???? I saw that the lawn and nearby trees were on fire.

The pain intensified and I fell back on my knees my fist hitting the concrete floor. It cracked. There was a vibration in the air accompanied by a high pitched sound. It grew louder, closer, higher. Make it stop please. I pleaded but no one could hear me.

I started crying.

"I knew there was something wrong with her. She has never been normal", I heard Mirabel's distinguished voice.

"I'm so recording this!"

"Let's get out of here!"

Voices. So many voices. Please shut up. Shut up!!

Black smoke began to seep from my fingertips. I stared in horror. I looked up and the look on Chloe's face shattered my heart. She backed away from me face full of fear and disgust. Tears came down from my eyes faster. Don't leave me Chloe. I need you.

I looked towards the other kids and saw the same expression on their face. Some were holding their phones up recording. Someone stepped forward towards me. I scrambled away on by butt.

"Don't come near me" my voice was coarse.

This is so not happening. What will happen to me now? Will I be taken to a remote facility, dissected for science?

I closed my eyes expecting the worse. I sensed him before I felt his warm hands on mine. I opened my eyes and there he was kneeling in front of me green eyes filled with concern.

"Jade. You have to calm down"

This was the first time he called me by name. It sounded so good in his voice.

"What's happening?" my voice cracked, throat extremely dry.

He tightened his hold on me, "Just breathe. Calm down and breathe"

Mirabel stepped forward, "Alex get away from her before she hurts you"

Alex's eyes glowed. The green in them intensified. I gasped. He stood up and faced the crowd. The atmosphere changed.

"Go home. Nothing happened here. Jade is a normal girl. Forget what you saw"

Just like that everyone began to leave even Chloe. Soon we were the only ones left. He turned and knelt in front of me.

"Look at me Jade"

"I'm looking!"

"No I mean really look at me"

I looked into his wonderful green eyes. Soon I was lost in them. I was floating, floating away to God knows where. The vibration stopped and was silent. Wonderful peaceful silence. A cascade of different colours swirled round me driving me deeper and deeper. I felt myself floating and I was looking down at myself sitting on the floor with Alex kneeling in front of me. All of a sudden I was pulled back into my body looking right at him.

"That's right. Just keep breathing", he instructed.

I briefly closed my eyes and inhaled deeply then let it out slowly. All was calm. I was finally at peace.

Alex let out a sigh of relief and stood up offering his hand to me, "Come with me. We have so much to discuss"

I looked around and saw the damages. The fire on the lawn had died down and there was black soot around were I sat. I looked up at Alex and took his hand standing up. His hand was warm and it sent electric tingles down my spine. If there was anyone who had an explanation to what just happened, it was him. Although I was still wary of him, I had no choice but to trust him for now. With my mind made up I followed him as he led me into the woods.