CHAPTER 15
The long walk towards the center of Eden where the Tree of life and Knowledge were located and where the serpents live was the longest tiring walk I have experienced. The sunset from the horizon and the moon rising on the other side lighted our path towards where the Beast lay waiting for us. The animals and plants seemed quiet as we strode towards the center.
I hold my fathers’ hand as if seeking his warmth for comfort. Victor Grey grip my hand to reassure her. Samuel was exceptionally quiet and alert as we got nearer to the Tree. My legs were getting heavy from the walk. It seems that every time we took a step, my body was getting weaker. My heart beat fast, and I prayed for Mateo to come as he saved me at the river spirit. Would he come?
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CHAPTER ONEPeople think I am blind, but I'm not. I can clearly see people that I have to close my eyes to avoid what I don't want to see. My father said my vision was a blessing, but I think it's a curse. It's a well-kept secret from my family. I, Samantha Grey, am a seer.I touched the table the edge of the table. I can feel the familiar marking and the scratches at the side that I intentionally mark to ensure that I am seated at my desk. Gently, I put down the books that I was carrying and reached out for my chair. My hand touches nothing. I could hear the laughter and giggle of my classmate. I'm used to their jokes and tricks. This is the life I chose---constant darkness.Our school accepted my limitation because it's the only school we have in our hometown. Thanks to my father, Victor Grey, who fought the system for me to study in a regular school with typical kids. It allowed me and other disabled kids like me to have a pl
CHAPTER TWO The trip was long. We drove towards an old town which was the farthest place in the province. It was already one in the afternoon when we arrived at a small chapel in San Jose. Automatically, I closed my eyes when I saw from afar people coming out of the chapel. My brother gives me my black shade. I hurriedly put it on and straightened myself up. I flip the car sun visor with a mirror and check my hair. My short black hair looks messy after the long trip we have. I have been cutting my hair since I was nine. When you live with two men, you end up imitating them. You want to be better than them by besting on any male rituals they have. I could shoot a gun at the early age of five and have mastered it at seven. My self-defense skills were not bad either. I can tackle my dad easily except for Samuel. He was a bit different. No matter how hard I tried, he remained steady and fast. "Let me do the talking Sam." I snapped out of my thought
CHAPTER THREE The smell of the white gardenia wafted inside my room. I inhaled the scent deeply. I felt rested from my long sleep. A frown creased my forehead. I remember I was in school. I cannot recall how I end up sleeping in my bedroom. The last time, I recollect having another vision from the past and the future. Sometimes, I cannot tell which one is the past or the future. It mashed in my head like a puzzle. The last vision was about Aliyah being thrown off the pirate ship. How can that be? My friend is very much alive at this very moment in the present time. Is it Aliyah or just some girl who looks exactly like her? What about the massacre at my school. That part seems hazy. All I can see are shadows? The only face I remember was that strange man who approached me with murder in his eyes. Panic constricted my throat when I remembered how he pulled me to him with those bloodied hands. I close my eyes, trying to think of happy thoughts, The
CHAPTER 4 Samuel left for school while my father bought a plane ticket for our trip. The seer lives in the capital. Eden's capital is a floating city where the only way to visit the place is by air. You cannot enter the capital unless you have a visa or permit. There were only select citizens that were allowed to enter the capital. It was a place where the seat of power resided. I figured that my father had some clout with the government since he quickly got our permits approved. You see, the requisite of entering Eden was by official business, by invitation, or you are wealthy. My father, Victor Grey, was not rich, but I know he has friends from high places of the government. I'm incredibly excited about the idea of meeting someone like me. Another person with the same gift made me feel I was not alone. I packed a few basic clothes for the impending trip. I am also looking forward to seeing my friend Aliyah, which Samuel promises to bring her to
CHAPTER FIVE Aliyah came to the airport to bid me goodbye. The presence of my friend lightened a little of the burden I felt, despite the grim situation. Aliyah managed to coerce a smile from me while her suggestive jokes kept my brother at the edge and uncomfortable. A sigh of relief escaped from Samuel when the airport announced our departure. I hugged my best friend the last time. I was still keeping the secret to her. It's not yet time to tell her; I console myself silently. A solution to my curse is at hand. Telling my friend would only complicate things between us. "Where are you going?" she asked me curiously. She glanced at my small backpack and said, "You're only bringing those? So, you're coming back right away?" "Yes, Aliyah. Papa would be bringing me to a good eye doctor. When I return, I hope to see you." "Really? I don't know that it could only take a few days to have an operation." "Papa said this doctor is very..
CHAPTER SIX I watched the gleaming city disinterestedly. I was too occupied to think of the beautiful skyscrapers and the people walking on the sidewalk looking fashionable and happy. Eden Central was the most expensive part of the city. The people who can afford to live here usually are the ultra-rich, talented and gifted. The richest among them live in Centro-central. In comparison, Eden Inner are the workers who serve and work in the Central city. They were the working class of Eden. Then, there was also another part of Eden that was seldom talked about. Outer Eden was a place for people frequented by tugs and undocumented visitors who overstayed or committed a crime but had no means to stay or return to their hometown. Eden was lord by one man like my hometown was lord by Aliyah's father. He acted according to the command of the Centro-central city. He was the lord of all the lord and held all the power of all cities. Above from the Lords w
CHAPTER 7 The light blinded me as we approached the portal. In the nick of time, we managed to squeeze in before the portal was closed. Samuel gently put me down. I swayed, my knees getting weak. He tightly held me before I stumbled. With great effort, I pushed him away. Shock and realization of who he has still filled me with awe, wonder, and then boiling anger. Her confused emotion was, seething just below the surface but the stress and revelation of secrets these past days had taken a toll. After all, it's not every day you will learn that fallen angels hunt you, then lose a brother who turns out to be an angel—going on a trip of a lifetime, sightseeing the place of the dammed. Heck...no one can top this adventure. I hysterically laughed, thinking about how I thought my life was ordinary and mundane. And now, I got what I wished for, an experience like no other with a spice of death just nipping at my heels. I'm about to lose my mind just thinking about it.
CHAPTER 8 "You're here at last...been expecting you for a very long time." She said to me. "Your mother left a gift for you." She stood up and walked towards the bookshelf. She pulled a red book and gave it to me. I looked at the red leather-bound book and gently touched it in awe. I could not believe that my mother had left something for me. "She said that if she left it with the living, someone might find it. So, she brings this book here. Your mother was a clever woman. She outsmarted the angels, eh, and look at you now still alive and undiscovered." Old black eyes peered into mine with interest, and her smile gave me the creeps. I shudder involuntarily. Nervously, I said, "Seer, I thank you for keeping it for me. Thank you for helping my mother. But the main reason why I came here is that I have a vision. I don't want it to happen. Is it possible to stop it?" The older woman smiled toothlessly. "Why would you want that? Your fate wa