The Book

ZAIRE

I walked inside to join my family. Meeting Connor and Ximena was just a bit awkward for me, not to mention how annoying that growling sound in my ear was. I couldn’t even figure out where it was coming from, and I was getting frustrated. 

Looking around, I noticed Jedrick and Adira staring at me, giving me chills. I kept looking at the guests and they seemed to be enjoying themselves. For just a moment, I felt like I was at home as they all stared at me with smiles on their faces. 

Minutes passed when suddenly, I heard a commotion right behind me. Connor was on top of another guy, punching him on the face. I could see his anger from here and it was a bit scary. 

When he walked out with Ximena, I felt the urge to follow them, but I stood still. I didn’t want to get lost in this town, probably wouldn’t make it past the gates. The guy he punched got up and I saw Jedrick walk towards him to check on his bruises while calling a couple who were probably his parents. 

“I think it’s better if we go home,” mom said, tugging on dad’s arm. She was not feeling comfortable and I could see how pale her face was. 

“No, Sweetheart. Let’s stay a bit longer, please. My boss wants to get to know us and maybe talk about my duties with the school,” dad replied. I wish we could just leave, but he was the one driving. Daniel held my hand, snuggling against me. 

“I’m not liking this, Zaire,” he whispered, squeezing my arms. 

“Don’t worry, little man. I feel the same way, but I’m here, okay?” I reassured him, ruffling his hair. He let out a small chuckle and I hugged him tight, giving him the comfort he needed. 

            Jedrick approached us and apologized for what occurred, inviting us to a private room to discuss our stay here. He led the way, Daniel still holding on to me as we walked down the dimmed hallway. Only candlelights lighting the place. 

“I’m scared, Zaire,” Daniel whispered, clutching to my shirt. 

“It’s fine,” I said. Another growl like earlier came to my ears and I kept looking around. I must be going crazy. The closer we got to the room, the louder the growl was, followed by a softer one. I stopped on my tracks and covered my ears until it was gone. 

“Are you okay?” Daniel asked, grabbing my arms and looking concerned. 

“Yes, I am.”

I grabbed his hand and followed our parents. The butler, who was in front of us, opened the door and we walked into the room. It was as if we were walking in a royal palace, but it was a bit on the dark side. 

The walls were brown, giving it a wood-like look and the wallpapers were burgundy with dark flower patterns that you have to see from up close to notice them. Why was I looking at them clearly if I was far away? 

The room also had a fireplace with ancient carvings and the furniture looked like they were made back in the 18th century. A big patterned rug decorated the middle of the room and oh my God, is that a giant bookshelf? 

I didn’t pay attention to anything else as I walked straight to see the books. They were amazing and old. I bet there was a lot of history here. While mom and dad mingled with Jedrick and Adira, I kept exploring the books. Feeling eyes on me, I turned around just to see them looking at me with curiosity. 

What is up with these people? 

“These are books full of our history. The town and our ancestors,” Adira said as she stood next to me, making me jump in surprise. 

“Yeah, they look interesting. Is it okay if I borrow one? I know you don’t know us, but I promise to return it as soon as I’m done reading it,” I said, passing my hands on the books while feeling sparks when I touched them. A current ran through my body and my hand subconsciously traveled to a book with no title on the spine, but it sure caught my attention.

“Of course you can. Choose any of them you like. But I must warn you, if one book is calling you, I don’t recommend that you read it until you feel like you’re ready for it,” she replied with a soft smile before walking back to join my family and her husband. 

Strange…

As I kept looking, that same book was calling me. I could hear whispers coming from it, and my heart skipped a beat just at the sound of it. More growling caught my attention, as if begging me to grab it. And that’s what I did. I grabbed that book and hid it under my shirt. It was not big, so it fit perfectly under the fabric. I zipped up my sweater and sat down with the family as if nothing happened.

“We are very happy that you decided to move up here and we promise you will love it,” Adira said, looking straight at me. 

“Thank you for the opportunity, and for your hospitality. I hope to be able to perform my job as you expect,” dad said with an excited smile on his face. Mom grabbed his hand and squeezed it in reassurance. 

“I’m sure you will,” Jedrick said, leaning back while he crossed his leg, lifting a glass of wine at my parents as a toast. Their small affair was over in no time and I was glad, because I was tired and wanted to go home. Daniel yawned next to me as he looked up with sleepy eyes. 

“It was really nice to meet you all, and we’re looking forward to seeing you in action, Cesar,” Jedrick said, shaking our hands before we were led to the front door by his butler. 

            The ride home was silent. Mom and dad were holding hands and he raised hers to his lips, giving her knuckles a tender kiss. I loved to see them so happy and in love that I hoped one day that would be me. 

            Daniel was sleeping right next to me, his head leaning uncomfortable against his seatbelt. The book that I have taken sat on my lap. I passed my hands on the antique leather cover, admiring the red, bumpy letters that read ‘Red Rose Pack’. 

“Red Rose pack? Isn’t this the name of the town?” I whispered.

“What was that, Mouse?” dad asked and I looked at him through the rearview mirror as I shook my head, while moving the book out of his sight.

“Nothing dad. I;m just in awe at what a beautiful name this town has. Roses are such elegant and delicate flowers,” I lied. He looked at me, furrowing his eyebrows but decided not to pry anymore and kept his eyes on the road. 

It was not long after when we arrived at home. Not waiting for them, I ran towards the house and with the spare key I had in my pocket, I opened the door and headed straight into my bedroom, locking the door behind me and tossing myself on my bed.

“Okay, you will tell me the history of this town, right?” I whispered to it as if this item would talk back to me. I opened it and the pages were ancient. There was a rough feel to them as I kept flipping them. On one of the pages, I saw a rose with thorns around it. 

Touching my shoulder blade, I closed the book and got out of my bed, walking back away from it. I had a tattoo exactly the same as that drawing in that book. My breathing became labored and I looked anywhere but it. 

‘I see you finally found the book,’ that voice I’ve been hearing since I was twelve spoke. I held my head and tried to cover my ears again.

“Who are you? Why can I hear you?” I asked, backing up against the wall, but I moved too fast, I knocked over my books from a shelf I had in a corner. The loud noise they made as they fell must have attracted attention when I heard a knock on the door.

“Zaire, are you okay in there?” it was mom’s voice, making me sigh in relief. 

“Yes, mom. I just bumped onto my bookshelf. Sorry!” I replied, leaving the part where I heard that strange voice.

“Who are you?” I asked again, expecting an answer. But there was a sudden silence. Looking around the floor, all my books were scattered and I groaned in irritation. I decided to pick them up tomorrow, it had been a long day and all I wanted was rest. 

The book still sat on the edge of my bed and I ignored it, heading to the bathroom to shower and go straight to bed. 

Tomorrow would be another day.