SWNOVELS Chapter 14: Star Gazer
It was a large open room,with ceilings that must have been a good seven meters high. Large dark wood beams kept them suspended in place. The room's center piece was a large stone fireplace, warming the cold Colorado room. Many old decorative sofas, tables, and chairs were laid out in living room fashion around the large room. A grand staircase, opposite the fire, extended up into two different directions. With dark parkay floors and large fancy rugs, the Star Gazer held an enchanting cozy spell.
Following the girl to the nearby fireplace sofas, the gang all took a seat around the cozy fire. "I'm sorry. I thought you worked here." Eary apologized. "No, it's fine. I do work the front desk after school sometimes. I left something there on my shift yesterday." The girl reported. "Yesterday? The last day I was home was sunday." Eary thought to himself as Calvin quickly asked."What's the date?" The girl smiled a sympathetic smirk "september 16th." "WHAT!?" Calvin, Mei, and Eary erupted simultaneously. "Yeah. Lost time? Happened to all of us." The girl responded matter of fact. "I'm Hannah, by the way." Hannah explained casually. "Eary," Earhart replied. "Mei," Mei said, following Eary
"I've been gone for four days." Calvin exclaimed to the group. "He's Calvin." Mei followed up as clearly Calvin wasn't paying attention. "How long you were asleep depends on you." Hannah stated cooly. "Asleep?" Mei replied questioningly. Hannah sat back in her chair. "Yeah! Public enemy number one around here. Johnathan Tiddle. Creepy dude. He grabbed most of us. They always send him when the target in question is a bit tougher than usual. He commands you to sleep, then it's lights out! Next thing you know, you wake up on some concrete floor. How long you were out varies from person to person. At least that's the buzz around here." Calvin and Mei shot back in their chairs. "Sounds familiar?" Hannah inquired. All three nodded as two boys and another girl entered in from the lobby.
"Hey Hannah, I see you already got a few of the new ones." A dark skinned girl, dressed neatly in a white button-up and wool skirt, announced from the trio. "Sure did!" Hannah replied handily, she continued. "Hey everyone! This is Eary, Mei, and Calvin. Eary, Mei,and Calvin, this is everyone." Hannah joked as the group intermingled with theirs.
The African-American girl sat down beside Hannah. "Hi! I'm Maggie. I see you've already met my girlfriend Hannah." Maggie explained smugly, looking at Hannah. Eary smiled. Eary briefly reminisced about Ephraim, but a fleeting memory of Josh and Ephraim kissing pulled him back to the present.
"So these are the other new kids. Have you met?" Maggie inquired, gesturing to the two young men sitting on the couch to Eary's left. "No, I haven't. Hi, I'm Eary." Eary said, greeting the other newcomers. "Hey. I'm Decan, and this is Ben." The taller of the two boys introduced them both. The smaller boy quietly nodded in agreement.
Eary recognized the taller boy "Decan?" Eary replied, shocked to see the Villa Gómez boy in good health. Decan locked eyes with him. "Holy shit! It's Josh's little brother, Eary!" Decan exclaimed in surprise. Decan, referring to him as Josh's little brother, bothered Eary. "We're the same age, Decan. My parents said you had gone missing." Eary informed the young man.
Eary had always kept his supernatural abilities a closely guarded secret. But now, he was face to face with exposure. "So.... do you have abilities, too?" Decan asked, perplexed. "Yeah." Replied Eary. Mortified to be put on the spot. "It's ok." Decan continued."I won't tell anyone. I don't want anyone to know about mine." Decan explained. The statement had piqued Eary's curiosity. "What are yours?" He asked timidly. Decan smiled. "I'm lucky. I can't seem to lose when I want something." Decan boasted confidently.
Eary couldn't help but notice Decan's striking features as he observed his twin brother's best friend. Decan's dark, wavy hair and soothing deep brown eyes gave him a handsome allure. As Decan caught him staring, he smiled and asked, "We're you behind Ephraim's miracle?" Eary, surprised by the question, nodded in quiet disbelief. Decan grined at the conformation as he replied, "I thought so. I always figured it was you." Eary, catching himself with a dropped jaw, quickly inquired, "How did you know?" Decan smiled and leaned into Eary, whispering in his ear. He stated,"Mote, I could hear him too." Eary looked Decan closely in the eyes. His heart beat felt like it would explode from his chest. Breaking the moment was the arrival of the professor.
"Good morning, children. My name is Professor Maxwell, and I'm here to welcome you all to the Star Gazer Institute," Professor Maxwell announced with a warm smile as he entered the room. The professor had a distinguished look, with salt-and-pepper hair and a tweed jacket that gave him an air of authority. His presence commanded attention, as Eary, Mei, Calvin, and the others couldn't help but sit up straighter in their seats.
"I see we have a few new faces with us." The professor chimed happily. "And what are all of your names?" He inquired. Decan, being Mr. Popular back home was the first to speak up. "I'm Decan, Decan Villa Gómez." Next, the smaller, shy boy sitting to his right, spoke up,"Ben greaves, " the young boy, probably no older than 13, stated.
Next up, Calvin, Eary, and Mei introduced themselves. "Well, it's very nice to meet you all. I hope that our time together proves fruitful for your minds." the professor continued."I see that you have met Miss Glass and Miss Walsh already." Gesturing towards Hannah and Maggie, respectively. "I hope you two will take the new kids under your wings." Maggie smiled back."Of course we will!" At that, the professor smiled and continued on with the days lecture.
"Today, you embark on a journey into the unknown," Professor Maxwell continued. "Here at the Star Gazer Institute, we embrace the extraordinary. You've already met some of your fellow students, and you'll soon discover that you all possess unique talents and abilities. Our mission is to help you harness these gifts and use them for the betterment of our world."
Eary exchanged glances with Mei and Calvin. Was this really what 'School' would be about? "Professor." Eary interrupted. "Won't we be learning, you know, the basics?" Eary asked, hesitant by the professor's speech. "Yes, you will, Eary. But you will also learn a bit about yourself and your abilities too." The professor explained.
As Professor Maxwell continued to explain the unique approach of the Star Gazer Institute, Eary, Mei, and Calvin couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and apprehension. The prospect of discovering more about themselves and their abilities was intriguing, yet they were also uncertain about what lay ahead.
The professor's words resonated with Eary, who had spent years concealing his powers. This was a place where he might finally learn to embrace and control his abilities. Mei and Calvin, too, were likely considering the possibilities of what this school could offer them.
Eary, Mei, and Calvin felt like they had stepped into an entirely new world. The classes at the Star Gazer Institute proved far more captivating than any traditional school they had known. They explored a range of subjects, from history and science to the mysterious realm of supernatural abilities. Through meditation techniques, they honed their control, and practical exercises pushed the boundaries of their powers. Yet, the most intriguing aspect was discovering the potential of their unique colors of light and which each color they emitted could do.
Mei and Decan were taught about red light. Eary listened as well. Careful not to reveal the existence of four colors under his command. They all listened about how red ment you channeled your power from within. Mei held command not only just fire but heat itself. She had learned how to not only increase the heat in things but also how to remove it, and was now capable of generating ice, in long sheets, or sharp icicles. Mei proved to be an exceptional student. While Decan's power was a bit more difficult to control. With the professor testing his luck with a game of quarters. Although he never lost, he could never control how he won. As circumstances intervened in odd ways each time.
Calvin was taught about green light. And how it held power over the energy around you. After a few exercises, he had managed to control his wind long enough to get off the ground. A feat that thrilled the boy.
Ben had revealed he had the power to communicate with animals. A sight that Eary giggled at while watching Ben conversate with a cat. Until it occurred to him that Mote must make him look the same way.
Eary learned that blue light was the color of infusion. When Eary told the professor of two lights, he seemed excited. The professor observed Earys wall of yellow light. The professor then informed him that yellow was the color of solid energy. He then went on and walked Eary through a guided meditation. In his mind, he had Eary pour blue light into his force field. Thus, the professor taught Eary to channel his blue light into his force fields. Giving them a reflective quality when struck.
As the day came to a close, the three friends made their way over to the café. According to Mei, it was where Alice had been stationed. "I can't believe we're actually learning about our abilities," Mei remarked with a sense of wonder in her voice. Calvin nodded in agreement. "Yeah, and I never thought I'd meet people who can do things like we can. Decan's luck power, for example, is mind-blowing. And I can fly! Maybe." Calvin excitedly exclaimed.
Eary walked along quietly, his mind racing with thoughts of the day. He had finally opened up to someone from home about his abilities, Decan, and it felt liberating. But there was still a sense of unease, a fear of what could happen if their secret got out. Then there was the professor. Although he was grateful for the assistance. He couldn't help but feel a sense of ulterior motives. "I'm glad we're here, but we need to be careful," Eary cautioned. "We don't know who we can trust completely."
Mei and Calvin exchanged knowing glances. Although they had enjoyed the lessons, Eary's words did hold weight to them, as they both replied, "Agreed." At the same time.
Arriving in the café, Alice could be seen poorly waiting tables. "Too bad she can't wait tables with her mind here. Heh!" Calvin joked, watching the spectical. The three chose a table and sat. About 10 minutes and several nasty glances, Alice approached. "So you've come to watch, huh?" Alice whined. "No, we've come to order!" Calvin joked. Alice smacked him with a menu. "Yeah, with what money?"Actually, we kind of wanted to touch base with you." Eary explained.
As they recounted their experiences of the day, Alice listened intently. It was clear that the Star Gazer Institute held many secrets, and they were only beginning to scratch the surface. "Sounds like quite the adventure," she remarked. "Yeah, but we have to be careful," Calvin cautioned once again. "We don't know who we can trust." Alice nodded in understanding. "I get it. This place seems... different. Let's stick together and watch each other's backs."
Mei cheerfully chimed in. "We did learn a bit about our powers, though." Mei explained gleefully. After recounting the purpose of their colors, Mei remembered to ask of the others. "He said purple was energy of the mind." Mei stated happily. Alice smirked. "I could have told ya that." She replied casually.
Eary suddenly remembered the strange dream from last night. Being a matter of the mind, he had wanted to ask Alice but was too nervous. "What is it, Eary?" Alice asked, quickly locking eyes with the boy. Eary surprised by the question replied, "I didn't say anything." Alice rolled her eyes."Your thoughts. You got something to say?" Eary paused for a moment, then began to say,"I had a dream last night. I dreamt of three guys. One of them was Johnathan!" Mei asked with concern, "Who were the other two?" Eary paused for a moment to remember. Then it hit him. "Sasha!" Eary erupted loudly. The whole café took notice as Eary's friends winced. Eary apologized as the crowd lost interest. Alice smiled and said, "Well, the only Sasha I know is that inventor guy. Sasha Mikhailov. So unless our napper dude is hanging out with Russian billionaires, I think it was a nightmare."
"Excuse me. Waitress." A man who had been waiting for an unreasonably long period of time exclaimed as he waived his hand at Alice. "Oh my god! Give me a fucking minute!" Alice hissed back. "I gotta get back to work. These rude ass customers don't know how to shut the fuck up. Seriously!" Alice replied, making her way over to the neglected customer's table. Eary couldn't help but wonder what was so bad about what Luke was doing. It was bad enough to have this girl do something he knew she hated. The thought was unsettling to Eary.
As the three left and returned home. Eary, after arriving home, was soon accosted by Mote. "And where have you been?!" Mote complained as he flew directly into Eary's face. "I was out with Calvin and Mei after school." Eary replied excitedly. "Well, I suppose. But I slaved away all day, and supper has been done for ten minutes!" Mote blathered as he flew in an attention seeinging circle around the rather delicious looking assortment.
A second later, Luke walked through the door. Dirty, in military styled clothing. "What the hell happened to you?" Mote exclaimed in shock. "Nothin'. I'm fine." He replied exhaustedly. Making his way quickly to the bathroom. Eary and Mote heard the water turn on. "Maybe we should wait for him." Eary whispered to Mote. "Sure! Why not!" Mote grumbled. As Mote reheated his dishes, flying to and fro around the suites kitchenette. Luke emerged from the bathroom and proceeded to his bedroom. After a few minutes, he exited his room and greeted the two. "Hey guys. Sorry about earlier. It's just been a long day." Luke stated, looking at the table. "Did you two cook for me?" He asked, looking at the table with a smile. "Well...." Eary began but was quickly interrupted by Mote! "Nah, nah. MOTE cooked!" The agitated moteling boasted. "And you're in for the treat of a lifetime! I used to spy on all the fancy restaurants back home. You name it, I can cook it!" Mote cheerily stated. "Hey! Why haven't you done this before?" Eary asked in a huff as Mote had already begun stuffing his face. *muffled* supposed to be hiding *muffled* Mote replied, mouth full of food.
Eary rolled his eye while he and Luke took a seat. There were baby back ribs, large amounts of mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and a melody blend of vegetables. "Holy shit! You're better than a dog." Luke exclaimed in surprise. "You're damn right I ams!" Mote boasted back.
The three laughed as a knock was heard at the door. Eary excused himself. "Hmm, I'll get it, I guess. Must be the girls." Opening the door Eary was surprised to see the smiling face of Decan Villagomez.
Decan's friendly grin was as charming as ever, Eary couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and apprehension about the unexpected visit."Decan? What are you doing here?" Eary asked, still processing the fact that Decan was at the door of their suite. Decan's concern was palpable as he sighed, his green eyes reflecting genuine worry. "I thought I'd check up on you. Must have been quite an overwhelming day," he remarked. Eary chuckled, feeling appreciative of the gesture. "I'm holding up fine. We were just about to sit down for dinner. Care to join us?" Eary asked, stepping aside to welcome Decan into the suite. Decan's relief was evident as he entered, shyly smiling on the way in.
Decan sniffed the air. "Mmmm, something smells so good." Mote, who had been hovering nearby, couldn't resist chiming in. "Well, you're in luck, my friend! You just stumbled into a feast prepared by yours truly. I'm Mote, the culinary genius behind this delicious spread." He boasted, puffing out his tiny chest with pride. Decan chuckled, clearly amused by Mote's antics. "Nice to finally meet you, Mote. I've always wondered what you looked like."He replied, taking a seat at the table. Mote took a closer look at the boy, "Decan? Holy smokes, you got powers too, kid?! No kiddin'! So you could hear me the whole time?" Decan shook his head in agreement as Mote continued. "That's a good kid that is! You never breathed a word, which means we can trust ya!" Eary interrupted the exchange, introducing him to Luke. "Decan, this is Luke, my brother. Luke, meet Decan Villagomez, a friend from back home." Luke greeted Decan."Hey man!" Luke stated as he graciously went to shake the boys hand. Decan asked, "Brother?" Shaking Luke's hand. "Ah, yeah. It's a long story." Decan looked at Eary."Holy shit!" Eary nodded back."I know it."
As Decan joined the meal, Eary looked over suspiciously at the boy. "So how long have you known about Mote?" Eary said in suspicion. Decan gave a soft smile. "I'm your brother's best friend, Eary. I was always around and could hear him, too." Eary paused in horror. "So you've always known?" Decan replied casually."I wasn't exactly sure, but yeah. I've always known." Eary was speechless. The revelation that Decan had known about Eary's powers and Mote's existence left him in a state of shock. He had kept his abilities hidden from everyone for so long, especially from Josh. The idea that Decan sat there all along, knowing, gave made him uneasy. Decan placed his hand on Eary "its fine. I won't say anything. I never did."
Decan, however, was dealing with the practicalities of living alone in his suite. He had never been much of a cook, and his culinary skills were limited to making simple sandwiches and heating up canned soup.
Decan leaned in with a playful grin, breaking the ice. "Eary, I've got a confession to make-I'm a total disaster in the kitchen. Living solo has revealed my culinary ineptitude. Is there any chance you could give me some cooking lessons?" His friendly tone and warm smile conveyed his genuine request.
Eary, sensing the genuine request and hoping to alleviate the awkwardness that had settled in the room, chuckled. "Sure, Decan. I'd be happy to show you a few cooking basics. It's the least I can do for an old friend."
As the evening continued, the conversation shifted to lighter topics, and the atmosphere became more relaxed. As They finished their meal, and Decan departed. Eary and Mote turned in for the evening.
As he lay in bed, he reconsidered his recent dreams. There was the all to familiar tall figure leading him through the stone building. And now, his dreams were showing him glimpses of the man who took him. 'Why was this happening?' Eary thought as he drifted off to sleep.