Forged by Fate (The Aqua Collection Book 1) Read online

  “Uhhhhhhhhhhh.” He dragged the word out, his voice going higher and higher. “Not exactly. I mean…” He bit his knuckles. “You’ll have to tell me more about this, so I can understand it all better.” He said finally.

  Well, that’s a better response than the one I expected.

  A shadow loomed over us. “I’m Trace.” He held his hand out, and I shake it. I shield my eyes from the sunlight as I crane my neck up to look at him.

  “Iris.”

  “I’m just gonna’ skip to the point. You’re fast…athletic. And Coach just told me that you’re trying out for the swim team, which I’m on. My mates and I figured that a friendly match is in order. You know, to welcome you to the team.” He asked me, his brown eyes smiling.

  I sit up a little straighter. “I’m going to warn you, Trace, I’m really great at swimming. It’s as natural as breathing for me.”

  “Yeah, likewise.” Trace said.

  Ron nodded his head. “He is the best on the team.”

  I smirk and ask, “When and where?”

  “Before your tryout on Monday, in the pool.” Trace declared.

  “Looking forward to it.” I say, amped up from showing off earlier.

  “Alright! The bell is going to ring in about twenty-five minutes, everyone go get dressed!” Mr. Grady announced. We all file into the locker rooms. Wow. Twenty-five minutes to get dressed? I like the sound of that. At my old school we worked down to the last five minutes.

  Even though we were given plenty of time, I hurriedly changed. Dara and a few other girls were eyeing me, whispering, and not being too secret about it. I tried out my locker combination, opening it without any trouble. I threw my shoes and gym clothes inside and locked it back. After fiddling with my hair, I walked out of the locker room.

  To pass the next fifteen minutes, I sit on the bleachers and read a short story from the Edgar Allan Poe book I’d snatched from our library yesterday. A breeze of Ron’s cologne wafted into my nose as he slid into the spot beside me and started texting on his phone.

  The lunch bell resounded. I quickly gather up my things and push my way through the thick mass of bodies, nearly falling on my face a few times. My stomach lightly cramps up when I get a whiff of the lunch room food.

  I get sick when I eat anything that resides on land. I guess you can say that I’ve got some wacked up allergies. That’s why I always brought a lunch box. My mom would try to keep my lunches interesting for me, but her creativity was limited since I was even allergic to most seasonings.

  I stop by the restroom on my way to lunch, just to freshen up a bit and clear my head. It only takes a moment, and then I’m out and on my way again. Upon entering the cafeteria, I see Jen, Minerva, and Thomas scattered throughout the lunch line. We all exchange a friendly wave. Minerva just jerked her head in acknowledgement. I tried to be cool like her, and jerk my head, but I ended up with more of an awkward head bob. Minerva smiled at my attempt.

  I stand there for a second, listening to everyone chatting and laughing, wondering where I should sit. Ron, having somehow gotten his tray before everyone else, comes into my peripheral. “Come on. We can sit over here.”

  “Thanks.” I say with a grateful grin. I follow him to an empty table and pull my lunch box from my bookbag. Next, I reach into the side-pocket of my bag to get my water bottle, just like usual. I cringe when my hand closes around nothing.

  “Crud.” I mutter. I left it on Cam’s counter the other day.

  “What’s wrong?” Ron inquired after taking a swig of milk.

  “I’m gonna’ go buy a bottle of water from one of the machines over there. Be right back.” I tell him as I stand up.

  I walk past a table filled with girls. Dara is among them. She doesn’t see me, and for that I am grateful. She isn’t good news. I take my wallet from my purse and put a dollar into the drink machine.

  On my way back, I trip over something and nearly go flying. Thomas haphazardly caught me, while trying to keep his tray from spilling, and stands me upright. I turn around and straighten my dress, feeling my cheeks and neck heat. Students around me laughed behind their hands. Some of them glanced away when I met their eyes. Dara still had her foot stuck out. She doesn’t even have the decency to hide what she did.

  Dara smirked. “Gosh, Thomas! Why’d you have to ruin the fun?”

  He didn’t answer her. I scowl and stifle the urge to slam her head into her pizza and corn. That little witch. Tears fill my eyes and my throat starts to burn. It’s only my first day here, and I already hate this freaking school. I just want to go home.

  Thomas led me over to the table and sat down beside me. Everything is a blur of tears in front of me. I’m afraid that if I speak I’ll break in front of everyone. I focus on my lunch box and blink away my tears. I chuckle awkwardly and take the bottle of water that I had dropped from Ron’s outstretched hand. “Thanks.” I mutter, finally breaking the silence.

  “Don’t let her bother you. Everybody knows she’s a hater.” Ron said.

  Thomas nudged me in the shoulder. “Yeah. It’s not worth it. And if she knows that she got to you, it’ll only get worse.” Thomas added.

  “Are you alright, sweetie? I can’t believe that she did that in front of everyone. Gosh, if I were you…you’re strong for being so calm about it. I would’ve probably gone and hid in a bathroom.” It takes a second for me to realize who’s speaking. Jen. She and Minerva had joined us at the table.

  “Dara’s always been like that.” Minerva told me.

  I manage to smile at all of their consoling comments.

  “Thanks, everyone.” I say with a sniffle. I wipe my eyes and open my lunchbox to change the subject.

  Minerva pointed at my food. “What, you don’t eat pizza?”

  I wince. “Um, yeaahh. About that—”

  “It’s just a piece of pizza. Girl, you’ve got to live a little.” Minerva chastised as she took a mockingly big bite of her pizza. They all mimicked her actions, trying to be funny.

  I gag.

  Ron looked at me, eyes wide and mouth full of pizza. “Mm. Mmmm. Mm.” He said, shaking his head. Ron narrowed his brown eyes. “You a vegetarian, aint ya? I don’t know how them people don’t eat meat.” It seems like he had already forgotten what I told him about my allergies only half an hour ago.

  Thomas sighed. “Ron, I know it’s hard to believe, but not everyone has the same ideals as you.”

  “I believe you’re confused, Ron. This is a cheese pizza. So technically, she’d be vegan.” Jen said, pushing her glasses up.

  “True.” Minerva said.

  “You right. I’m confused.” He admitted. “I got lost at no meat.”

  A couple of us roll our eyes.

  “Okay.” I say. “First off, I’m not vegan or vegetarian. Secondly, I always bring my lunch.”

  Minerva gave a very unladylike snort. “Suit yourself.”

  “Have you guys always hung out together?” I ask, motioning to them.

  Ron and Thomas knuckle bump. “We’ve been friends since forever.” Thomas said.

  “I’m just sitting where you sit, Iris.” Jen spoke up.

  Minerva dug around in her corn. “I don’t have anywhere better to sit, and this is usually my table...”

  ✽ ✽ ✽

  The rest of my day was generally free of any problems. By the time 7th period rolled around, I felt a little more comfortable navigating the hallways of the school, and I was beginning to familiarize myself with a few names and faces.

  I walk to the last class of the day with Jen and Thomas, since I was fortunate enough to have them during 6th period as well. They tell me that Minerva and Ron have this class too, along with Minerva’s brother.

  Apparently, as Ron tells it, Study Hall is just a period where we all get to relax and chat. And so we do, at a round table in the corner. “Where’s your brother, Minerva?” I ask.

  “Hell if I know. Probably up to no good.” She responded dryly.

  “
That sucks, I wanted to meet him.”

  “You aren’t missing anything.” Minerva retorted.

  “Yeah, he isn’t very ‘present’ in life.” Thomas input.

  Minerva glared at him. “Watch it. I don’t know why you feel like you can come over here and say something like that, but you should head back to your usual table over there with the popular kids.”

  Thomas leaned back in his chair. “Believe me, I know him better than you think. I’ve known him since elementary, and we were in Boy Scouts for like four years. We even played football together before he got kicked off the team for—”

  “Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Ron interrupted, taking his seat. “Let’s stop now before we cause a scene.”

  Jen, looking nervous, sunk down in her chair a bit.

  I’m not really sure how my simple question escalated into such a heated argument, but I get the feeling Minerva’s brother is a touchy subject for her. And I also feel as though Minerva’s got a grudge against Thomas.

  Honestly, the situation hurts my heart a little. I don’t like to see them arguing, even though I’ve only met them today. It’s strange that I have grown so attached to them in such little time. It scares me. Maybe I’m moving too fast.

  “You should listen to Ron.” Minerva suggested. “It’d be best for you.”

  Thomas abruptly stood up. “Alright, I’m out.”

  Ron followed suit. “Peace.”

  The three of us girls sit in a tense silence. Jen had pulled out a book but hadn’t turned a page yet. Minerva scribbled angrily on a drawing pad. I stare at my hands.

  For once, I am grateful that the bell rings.

  Chapter 11

  Just a Normal Guy

  Iris

  “Dad, this is Minerva. Minerva, this is my dad, Mike. She’s my partner for a project that I have to do for my Chem class.” I was in the process of introducing them. Minerva and I had walked to the pick-up area after saying our goodbyes to Jen, who would be staying after school for her book-club meeting.

  My dad chuckled. “They already have you doing projects on your first day? I tell you…diving in, I guess.” My dad shook Minerva’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Likewise.” She responded.

  “How was your first day kiddo?” He looked at me from the corner of his eye while driving.

  I shrug. “It was alright. I think I made a few friends, an enemy, and I’ve got some forms for you to fill out.”

  “An enemy already? That’s my girl.” I can’t tell if he’s joking. “Let me guess, your clothes were way cuter than hers, so now she’s got it out for you?”

  Minerva snickered.

  “I hope it’s something that simple.” I mutter.

  The drive home was quicker than I had expected. Minerva and I had chatted a bit along the way, but my mind was occupied for the most part. I kept thinking about Mrs. Wilder, and the dreams. And then I replayed the argument from earlier and pondered on it for a while. Naturally, I wanted to ask Minerva more about her brother and find out why she’s so touchy about the subject, but I don’t know if I should yet. She might get angry again.

  “Do you want to look around inside or go to the mall first?” I ask when we exited the vehicle.

  “Doesn’t matter to me.” She glanced around, seeming nervous, and pushed a piece of dark hair behind her ear.

  “Okay, tour now, mall later.” I say.

  First, I showed her the kitchen.

  “Na’ who dis’?” He asked when I knocked on the kitchen door. He practically lived in there. I never see him leave.

  “This is my friend Minerva. We’re working on a project together. I’m giving her a tour of the house, and I was wondering if you could show us the kitchen.”

  He squinted his eyes at us. “Na’ ya’ knows don’t nobody come in here!”

  I expected such. “Okay, thanks anyways.” I say as I make to leave.

  “But!” I turn back. “Imma’ let it slide just this once, cause I likes ya’.” He gave me a gummy smile, as if he just told me a grand secret. He held out his hand for Minerva to shake. “I be Charley.”

  She hesitantly shook his hand.

  “Na’ follow me! Fo’ somebody sees and think they can come up in here too!” He ushered us inside, showing us all his things. He even showed us the shelves for his prized cooking utensils. For an old guy, he actually kept things orderly and arranged. I admired that. The room smelled bad to me, but Minerva liked the mixture of old seasonings. Spices lined the counters, and glass jars filled with unfamiliar ingredients were stacked in the corner. There’s some food splayed out on the counter, likely what would be for dinner.

  He had stuff in there that I wouldn’t know how to use. Like he said, he had everything. I was honored that he let us see it, and I knew for sure that it would never happen again. The tour was short, and soon he pushed us out.

  “Dat’ there was me kitchen! Na’ don’t tell nobody what y’all seen.” His eyes were wide, and he went back to what he was doing and closed the door. Minerva smiled and so did I. I knew she would like him.

  “Thanks, Charles!” I shout.

  “You welcome, lil’ gal.” I hear him mutter.

  I lead her down the hallway and show her the other rooms. The last room I give her a tour of is my own.

  “This room is mine.” I explain. “I know that it’s still a little empty, but over time—Hey, you want to try on clothes or something?” I look her up and down, “We look about the same size. We could give each other makeovers! Then we could go to the mall.”

  “Um, makeovers?” She laughed and eyed me incredulously. “You’ve got to be kidding.”

  I clasp my hands together in front of me. “Oh, come on! Please!” I can tell that she isn’t going to have a change of heart. “Let’s at least dress up.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Fine, whatever.”

  After we had both finally decided on an outfit, we examined one another like scientists. Minerva had picked a pair of dark high-waist skinny jeans, a glittery tank top, and a pair of white flats. I nod my head in approval. I was wearing a soft black miniskirt, black flats, and a baby blue shirt that hung from one shoulder.

  While Minerva rummaged through my jewelry drawer, I look at myself in the mirror and sigh. I haven’t worn anything like this since my mom passed. I almost appeared similar to my normal self. I feel a slight pang of guilt. Is it still too soon to be enjoying myself?

  “You ready?” Minerva asked me.

  No turning back now. “Yeah.”

  Minerva and I rub our shoulders once we make it outside and start walking towards the car. A cold breeze creeps across my skin and flits through my hair. I shiver and my stomach twists.

  “That’s weird…it was just burning up and now it’s freezing.” Minerva muttered. “Or is it just me?”

  I briskly rub my hands together. “No, you’re right. But the sun is shining as brightly as ever.” I say as I put my shades on.

  My eyes are drawn to the edge of our wood-line in the distance for some reason that I can’t explain. And then…the cold just dissipates, and warmth settles on my skin.

  Minerva made a face. “That was strange. Maybe it was some kind of weird weather phenomenon or something? Let’s get going before it happens again. I hate being cold.”

  I faintly nod, my gaze still on the wood-line. I feel like there’s something watching us.

  “Iris? You good?” She called from the car.

  I snap back to attention. “Yeah, I’m coming.” There’s nothing watching us. I’m just being paranoid.

  Before we drove off I checked to make sure that I had my credit card, and I prepared the GPS. The town was still new to me, so I’m not sure where the mall might be. And besides, Minerva had blatantly told me she wasn’t good at giving directions.

  I see that she’s fidgeting nervously with the end of her tank. I let my eyes do a sweep of my surroundings while I drive, silently pondering on what we should talk about. “Nervous?” I
ask when she doesn’t stop fiddling.

  “Huh? Oh, I guess I haven’t dressed up like this in a while.” She admitted.

  “I haven’t either. I mean…probably not as long as you have…but for around a month now.” I say with a shrug. She smiled at me.

  ✽ ✽ ✽

  We went straight to the shoe section. We tried on pair after pair, laughing and posing, grins plastered on our faces. I started loading mine into our buggy, but I noticed that only my shoes filled it. That’s when it dawned on me that perhaps I was wrong in assuming she could afford to do this, and I realized what I needed to do.

  “What do you think you’re doing, missy?” I ask, sidling up behind her while she put back a box.

  She jumped and let out a sigh. “I don’t have the money for all of these. I just wanted to try them on…”

  “What are you talking about? I’m the one paying for all of this. My treat.”

  She looked at me in astonishment. “There’s no way I’d let you buy all of this! What kind of person do you take me for? I’m not some mooch—”

  I grab her hand. “I take you for my new friend. Besides, I have my own card. My dad puts money on it every month and I’ve been saving it up. It’s fine, trust me. Let me do this.”

  She was about to dispute further, but I held up a finger and motioned for her to put the shoes in the shopping cart NOW. She reluctantly obeyed, and we moved onto the clothes section. I could tell that she was putting as little in the buggy as she could to keep the cost low, so I started holding things up saying, “Oh this would fit you perfectly!” or “You have to get this!” and automatically putting them into the buggy before she could protest.

  “What are you looking for?”

  I nearly jump three feet in the air. I hadn’t even heard the guy move up beside me. “Huh?” I comprehend that he works here, hence the Jake nametag, and my muscles relax. He’s just a normal guy, not a Spiritseeker. I feel stupid for even considering it. “I’m looking for some cologne for my dad, actually. Think I could get your opinion?”